30-year-old Livingstone has featured in 25 ODIs and 38 T20Is so far, scoring 558 and 617runs respectively. Speaking of T20 leagues, he has been part of the Indian Premier League (Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings), The Hundred (Birmingham Phonenix), Big Bash League (Perth Scorchers) and Peshawar Zalmi (Pakistan Super League).
Livingstone will now feature in the second edition of SA20, where he will be representing MI Cape Town. Asked how he balances his busy schedule, which comprises playing for England and featuring in various franchise leagues, the batter told PTI, "Yeah, I think England comes first. We see our calendar at the start of the year and see where we have gaps. If we feel like it's a good opportunity for us to go away and play franchise cricket, then we'll do that," Livingstone replied to a query from PTI.
"If we feel like we need a rest and it's going to hinder our international cricket, then we'll probably have a rest. So I guess at the start of the year, you just try and work out when you can play and where you can go and go from there," he added.
The SA20 has come under the scanner after Cricket South Africa (CSA) named a second string squad for the New Zealand tour since the key players will be featuring in the T20 competition. Livingstone, however, feels that tournaments like SA20 can aid youngsters in staking a claim for their national sides.
"Yeah, international cricket is very different from franchise cricket. It is what it is. I think it's different for the young boys coming up compared to the older boys who are already playing international cricket. It's a great chance for young boys to make a name for themselves and showcase their talent,” he said.
Playing for a big franchise like Mumbai Indians in the SA20 is something Livingstone is looking forward to. "Hopefully, lots of entertainment, win games of cricket. I guess that probably will be the two biggest things in a franchise tournament,” he concluded.
MI Cape Town finished fifth in the inaugural SA20, which was won by Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
