Pretorius Reflects on the Challenges of Being a Freelance T20 Cricketer

During the last few years, Dwaine Pretorius has featured in different T20 leagues around the world. He has retired from international cricket, so playing in various franchise tournaments is no longer difficult for him. He can manage his appearances in these leagues easily, as there is no pressure of participating in South African international tours.

Talking about his life as a freelance T20 cricketer, he said it is a bit challenging but also rewarding. As a cricketer, it allows you to earn more money without worrying about being dropped from a team. It also provides exposure to different countries; however, frequent travel often becomes a frustrating challenge for him.

Pretorius gave the example of the SA20, in which he has to travel extensively throughout the tournament. The league is structured around home and away matches, so players are constantly traveling between different cities to participate in various games.

"In the SA20, for instance, there's no time to train. You've got that week before [SA20 to train], and then, as soon as you get into the tournament, there is no time because you're flying in between cities.” said former South African all-rounder, Dwaine Pretorius.

“You're playing home and away, home and away, home and away. [In the ILT20], when you have an off day, you really have an off day - it's not a travel day." added Dwaine Pretorius.

He then spoke about his family, saying that playing in franchise tournaments allows him to manage his tours independently. It also makes it easier for him to spend time with his family, who are obviously his top priority in life.

"I've got a little boy and I've obviously got a wife. So, [we figure] out what works the best for us, and then, plan the year going forward, saying that I definitely want to play the CPL." said Dwaine Pretorius.

"Okay, where else do we want to fit in tournaments for the year? And then, if the family needs me for a certain time period, I make sure that I'm trying to be at home." added Dwaine Pretorius.

Speaking about his criteria for picking different leagues, Pretorius said that he looks closely at the schedule and travel itinerary of a tournament before making a final decision. If the travel feels too demanding, he simply decides not to take part in the event.

"If we feel like [travel and games are] becoming a bit tough, that it's a bit long on the road, I don't go into the drafts or the auctions for different tournaments. So no, I must say the last three years, I've really enjoyed it." said Dwaine Pretorius.

The Importance of Ongoing Improvement

He then explained how poor performances can quickly affect the chances of getting selected in different leagues. By understanding the selection criteria of various franchise tournaments, he works hard on his skill set to keep improving over time.

"You are one bad game away from not playing again, or not earning money or not being able to put food on the table, but that's fine. At the end of the day, if you take care of the process and master your skills and make sure that you're a master of what your skillset is, [the question] becomes - does the team need your skillset or not? And if they don't, then they don't, and I've done everything to give myself the best chance. I don't think you can be the answer for everyone." said Dwaine Pretorius.

He further added that players need to keep improving themselves to stay relevant in the franchise cricket circle. They can do that by taking tips from top players who regularly feature in global franchise tournaments.

"You need to keep reinventing yourself, and then speaking to experienced players around the globe, and just taking some information from them. It's really important to not get stuck on the improvement part and really master your skillset, what makes you unique." said Dwaine Pretorius.

Pretorius then recalled a conversation with Mark Boucher that transformed his cricket career. The legendary South African wicketkeeper advised him to focus on his own skills and not try to imitate anyone just for the sake of getting attention.

"A conversation I had with Mark Boucher one day really transformed my game. At the end of the day, I think players get themselves into trouble if they try and be like someone else and not really master what makes them. Ever since that conversation, my batting and my bowling and everything has improved." concluded Dwaine Pretorius.