Synopsis
The SA20 and Cricket South Africa have established competition windows for the next three editions of South Africa's premier T20 competition. The adjustments accommodate the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup and enhance scheduling for fans.Key Takeaways
- SA20 confirms schedule for next three seasons.
- Season 4 starts on December 26, 2025.
- Changes made to align with ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
- Season 5 returns to January, offering more rest.
- Exciting year for cricket fans in 2027.
Johannesburg, February 3 (NationPress) The SA20 and Cricket South Africa have solidified their strategies for future tournaments, marking a pivotal move towards the future by establishing competition windows for South Africa’s leading T20 league over the next three years. The adjustment in the schedule for Season 4 has been prompted due to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup scheduled next year in India and Sri Lanka.
Season 4 of SA20 will commence during South Africa’s bustling festive period from December 26, 2025, and will continue until January 26, 2026. This season will precede the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February next year.
Season 5 will revert to its usual January timeframe, running from January 9 to February 14, 2027. This adjustment will create a more substantial rest period between matches and reduce the number of weekday games.
The year 2027 is set to be an exciting one for local cricket enthusiasts, as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia during October and November. Therefore, Season 6 of SA20 will take place from January 9 to February 13, 2028.
“By confirming the SA20 window for a three-year duration, we provide clarity to all stakeholders, aiding in our integration into the global calendar planning,” stated League Commissioner Graeme Smith.
“We understand that fans particularly enjoy matches during weekends and holidays, and with the ICC T20 World Cup in early February next year, our Season 4 schedule takes advantage of South Africa’s peak cricket season and important public holidays. Early scheduling has enabled us to consider an extended window starting from 2026/27, which will enhance scheduling, logistics, and the overall fan experience,” Smith mentioned in a press release on Monday.
The decisions were made with consideration to the ICC event schedule confirmed until 2031 and the existing Future Tours Programme (FTP) running until 2027.
A working team consisting of members from both the League and Cricket South Africa established the competition window for Seasons 4 through 6 of the SA20.
The third season of the competition is heading into the crucial Playoffs, which will commence in Gqeberha on Tuesday. MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals will compete in a top-tier Western Cape derby at St George’s Park, followed by a decisive match at Centurion on Wednesday in the Eliminator between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings.
