The Rise of SA20 Cricket

The first three seasons of the South Africa League Updates have cemented it as one of South Africa’s best-supported live sports events. Capacity crowds and a sold out Final marked Season 3 as the most successful year yet, with over four hundred thousand fans streaming through the turnstiles at Newlands. This is a 70% increase on the previous season, making it the best supported Betway SA20 season to date.

The tournament’s unique appeal has been reflected in the growth of its digital audience. The 2025 season saw a huge spike in social media followers of Franchise teams, while a strong PR campaign saw the League achieve 30% growth in SA and India. The competition also reached a landmark moment in its short history when it awarded two school learners – from Johannesburg’s Steyn City and Cape Town’s Bishops Diocesan College – with full scholarships to cover annual school fees, hostel fees and other additional costs.

Big Names Join SA20 Teams

This season’s SA20 squads are filled with a mix of young and experienced players. From Under-19s like Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka to capped white-ball internationals such as Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane and Heinrich Klaasen, it is a group that could represent the future of the national team.

While the success of SA20 has brought a new level of professionalism and opportunity to players, it is also pushing the boundaries of what the game can offer in its current format. As a result, the suits across the provinces recently met to discuss the sustainability of domestic cricket. The prospect of cost cutting – including the possibility of a reduction in the number of SA20 teams – was raised.