Biff praises Temba for 'right' response to SA20 snub, reiterates franchises' selection autonomy

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith praised Temba Bavuma's attitude in opening up a gig for himself in the league, citing that example as justification for the organisers and Cricket South Africa (CSA) not getting involved in franchise selection matters.

The Proteas limited overs skipper controversially went unsold at least year's inaugural SA20 auction, causing broader debate on Bavuma's suitability in the shortest format to bubble over, which, rather apparently, affected his form at the ill-fated ICC T20 World Cup campaign in Australia.

However, the 32-year-old lit up South Africa's ODI series victory over England during the SA20's short break last month, ending as the hosts' leading run-scorer in the three-match skirmish with a drought-lifting century during the second ODI. 

He was subsequently picked up by Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the eventual title winners, as a replacement to England's Tom Abell, who was called up for their tour of Bangladesh.

"Temba responded in the right way," Smith told a media roundtable event on Friday following a hugely successful first edition of the tournament.

"He scored that memorable hundred against England [in the series-clinching second ODI] and ended up getting into the title-winning team. Ultimately, we - as the league - don't want to get involved in selection."

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Despite complaints from some quarters over the optics of a national white-ball captain being deemed surplus to requirements for all six franchises initially, Smith reiterated that the league needed to ensure the teams' autonomy when it came to player selection.

He added that the league also didn't want to infringe on the integrity of