New Delhi: Former South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris has lauded the pivotal role of Indian investment and IPL franchises in establishing the SA20 as a dominant global league, asserting that the Indian cricket ecosystem has breathed "absolute life" into the competition ahead of its fifth season.

Morris, who now works as a commentator for the tournament, emphasised that the influx of Indian-owned team owners has not only bolstered the league's financial standing, but also attracted elite international talent, cultivated robust regional fan bases, and elevated the overall profile of South African cricket.

"When you get an influx of teams that are willing to invest in your actual league itself and are very generous in the way that they've invested, it's only going to help your cricket because now you can lure international players to come to play South Africa," Morris said during a media interaction facilitated by SA20 ahead of the Season 5 auction.

"I think it has given it absolute life, let's be very honest."

Reflecting on the tournament's evolution from a tentative debut to a sell-out success, Morris noted how the presence of IPL-affiliated franchises allowed SA20 to replicate the winning formula of India's marquee T20 league, offering local fans familiar teams to champion.

"As soon as we announced, or season one got announced with SA20, there was a 'How's this going to work? We don't know how this is going to work'. And then when the teams arrived and they got given their places, all of a sudden everybody was deeply, deeply invested around the country," he recalled.

"Look, you go from season one to season five, which is coming now, you see the support base, the crowds are in, ticket sales are up and the support is there."

"The IPL has made a massive impact (SA20 Commissioner) and Graeme (Smith) has done an unbelievable job at sticking together, finding the teams, finding the owners that have been unbelievable for our players and unbelievable for our cricket in our country," he added.

According to Morris, the surge in the league's stature has directly benefited South Africa's domestic talent pipeline, giving emerging Proteas the opportunity to share dressing rooms with global stars and adapt to high-pressure, stadium-scale environments.

"You've got some of the world's best who want to come to South Africa. Whenever you're rubbing shoulders with international cricketers that have been around the world and have performed on the big stage, you're going to improve as a cricketer," he explained.

"With the SA20 coming along, all of a sudden there's a packed crowd and now you've got this entertainment around you. People are making noise, they're shouting for their team, the DJ's going crazy, there's fireworks," he observed. "All of a sudden you've got to perform and people are watching."

He highlighted that SA20's structural pathway—encompassing school cricket, provincial systems, Under-19 ranks, and an Under-23 auction category—has consistently brought unheralded players into the spotlight.

"Every season we've unearthed some unbelievable talent of young cricketers coming through," Morris said, adding that even non-playing squad members gain invaluable knowledge by observing international professionals. "It's a great platform for youngsters. And guys can take a lot of confidence out of when they perform well in the SA20 because they know they're getting one step closer to international cricket."

Turning his attention to the upcoming auction, Morris singled out Joburg Super Kings' release of veteran batter Faf du Plessis as the marquee surprise among the squad retention decisions.

"I think the biggest one that's been left out or been released was Faf du Plessis. I think he's still got a lot to offer as a player."

However, Morris noted the strategic rationale behind JSK's choice as they transition under new head coach Albie Morkel, while hinting at a potential buy-back attempt.

"One thing we do know that the Super Kings franchise do, they look to get players back in the auction. So I think Faf was a big one because he plays such a big leadership role in that squad itself for JSK," he remarked. "Albie is very, very shrewd in the way he thinks about the game and what players he'll need in certain parts to build depth in his squad."

Evaluating other franchises, Morris anticipated active bidding from MI Cape Town following key player releases, even though he noted their core remains mostly intact.

"I think MI Cape Town have probably got nine out of the 11 starters," he observed, suggesting they might target a veteran leader like du Plessis.

Looking at new international marquee signings, Morris picked Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as the most exciting addition for Season 5, particularly for Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

"We know how destructive he can be, all-rounder. We've seen him do it all around the world," he said.

Finally, Morris suggested that recently retired Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane would be a valuable target for franchises if available.

"Absolutely. He brings a wealth of experience and (is) a world-class human being in general," Morris concluded, referencing Dinesh Karthik's impactful stint at Paarl Royals as a blueprint for veteran Indian players enhancing SA20 franchises both on and off the field. (PTI)