Duminy excited by ODI league proposal

JP Duminy would welcome an ODI league and the addition of two extra Test teams, as proposed by the ICC's Chief Executives Committee (CEC) at the latest round of board meetings last week. If approved, international cricket could run on a new schedule with a two-year Test league, a three-year, 13-team ODI league, culminating in qualification for the 50-over World Cup, and regional tournaments to determine places for a World T20. That will mean all limited-overs series will carry some weight and that is something Duminy is in favour of.

"The best way to answer that is something that Russell [Domingo, South Africa's coach] harps on quite a lot. Every game that you play for your country is of importance," Duminy said. "If that [the new system] is in place, that puts a lot more emphasis on that. If we are focusing on that, that means we are giving our best throughout the series and for every game so that's a big bonus."

The current series between South Africa and Sri Lanka is an example of why an ODI league would be a good idea. South Africa's dominance in the three matches played so far has meant interest in the series has dwindled, although the prospect of a whitewash and South Africa ascending to No.1 on the rankings has provided some narrative.

"The end result is definitely about 5-nil. Tomorrow is the most important game for us but we've always had one eye on 5-nil," Duminy said. "It's always a nice thing to be ranked No.1 and that will be an added bonus for us but for now it's about making sure we focus on what's important for us and that is the preparation leading up to the Champions Trophy."

Asked if he would be keen to play Tests against the likes of Ireland and Afghanistan, Duminy said he was eager for the chance to take on different opposition. "If that's the situation, we would be up for it," he said. "No matter who we are playing against, it's an opportunity to represent your country and we don't take that for granted. Whatever comes our way, we will be up for it."

And what about touring Afghanistan? "Why not? They've got some good players and we've played against them in the shorter formats and they've definitely given us a run for our money so why not?"

South Africa have played two T20s against Afghanistan, at World T20s in 2010 and 2016. They won both matches, by 59 and 37 runs respectively. This summer, South Africa also hosted Ireland for the first time. Ireland played two ODIs in the country, one against South Africa and one against Australia. CSA have also begun the process of putting together working groups with neighbours Zimbabwe to see how they can assist them with everything from corporate governance to on-field cricket activities.