It is not only on the field where the world’s best players are ready to “Turn it Up” at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, but also on broadcast, the airwaves and social media.
South Africa is abuzz with excitement for the eighth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup that is set to showcase the 10 best teams in the world.
Experienced television broadcaster and First Lady of South African cricket Kass Naidoo is relishing the prospect of a Women’s T20 World Cup on her home soil.
“It’s massive for South Africa. It’s a historic occasion for South Africa to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time,” said Naidoo.
“The Proteas are playing Sri Lanka at Newlands on Friday in the opening game and we’re hoping for the Cape Town faithful to come out and show support for the Proteas Women’s team.”
Naidoo, who is a strong advocate for the growth of all women’s sport in South Africa, believes the Women’s T20 World Cup will set new benchmarks in the Rainbow Nation.
“Overall, for women’s cricket, it’s absolutely massive. It’s coming on the back of the Women’s Premier League that is being launched in India. There is so much talk about the increase in popularity in women’s cricket and it’s all happening here in South Africa.
“Women’s cricket in South Africa has developed immensely over the last couple of years. But still you feel the progress is slow because other teams seem to be doing better.
“But that’s why this ICC T20 World Cup is so important. Just imagine South Africa making a World Cup final. That would be a game-changer.”
Fellow cricket broadcaster and social media influencer Lesego Pooe is equally enthusiastic about the cricket’s global superstars showing off their skills in her own backyard.
“It’s just absolutely amazing. It means so much, especially because it’s happening on South African soil,” Pooe said.
“It motivates young people who are coming through the developmental phases. It also puts a lot of sunshine on South Africa and focuses on cricket as a whole.”
