Former Proteas legend Graeme Smith's negative remarks over ILT20 did not go down so well with David White, the CEO of the marquee league. Smith had previously stated that the league is not good for the game and offered an example of how SA20 remains committed towards fostering the growth and development of local players and the South African domestic cricket system. 

In a retaliatory response, White responded by saying that the country has significantly profited from this league and they continuously look to play a crucial role for all major cricketing tournaments around the world that look to seek support during the final stages.

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White issues a check response to Smith's criticism 

The ILT20 chief launches an attack on Smith by stating that it is never in their policy to comment about other leagues. In addition, White also stressed that the league offers a platform to those who come from associate nations such as Nepal, Malaysia, USA, Scotland, and Netherlands. The league recognizes the need to cater to the growth and exposure of the associate players, a commitment that remains to be seen in the SA20 league.  

"Oh, Mr. Smith, it's not our policy to speak about other leagues. We are the only league in the world that provides a platform for the associate countries to participate at this level. We've got players from Nepal, Malaysia, USA, Scotland, Netherlands, Namibia, and Italy." 

Furthermore, White also refuted Smith's remarks by stating that the money earned by the league goes back into the game. Although he understands that Smith has a say on this topic, he probably felt that the former SA legend should have taken more time to investigate and reach a valid conclusion. While defending his league, Smith also lauded the facilities of the UAE and highlighted how the country has been a major source of influence in the cricketing world and the wide Gulf region.

"Listen, he's entitled to his comments, but I just think that his comments have been made without doing any investigation, maybe he should have taken the time to look at what we're looking to achieve, what we are achieving and the importance that this league has in terms of the growth of cricket in the UAE, the wider Gulf and the international game. It's easy to dismiss the influence of the UAE. The UAE has got unbelievable facilities and privately invested facilities, and it is the backstop for all the ICC events."

UAE always at ICC's rescue amid last-minute hiccups

UAE has always been a go-to location for the ICC and is ever-ready to play host to any major tournament even at the 11th hour. At a time when India was grappling with the negative consequences of COVID-19 in 2020 & 2021, ICC made arrangements to shift the T20 World Cup to the UAE while a majority of the matches from the two IPL editions were also hosted in UAE. 

Following the political turmoil in Bangladesh last year, the ICC had no option but to shift the 2024 Women's T20 out of that country. With less than two months to go before kick-off, the UAE once again emerged as the front-runner for hosting the marquee event. At present, UAE is set to jointly host the Champions Trophy 2025 along with Pakistan. If PCB fails to deliver the Pakistan stadiums on time, ICC have the option of hosting the entire tournament in the UAE.