SA20 Returns for Third Season in 2025, Overlapping with Global Cricket Calendar

The South African T20 league, SA20, will return for its third season in 2025, running from January 9 to February 8. The six-team, 34-game tournament will once again occupy a prominent spot in the global cricket calendar, overlapping with other major leagues such as the Big Bash League, ILT20, and BPL.

SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith expressed excitement about the upcoming season, stating that the league aims to "continue to own the South African summer" and provide fans with access to world-class cricket. The fixtures, auction, and player announcements will be revealed in the coming months.

The timing of the SA20 could potentially conflict with other international commitments for South Africa. The proposed ODI tri-series in Pakistan, involving South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan, may take place shortly after the SA20 concludes on February 8. The dates for this series and the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan have yet to be officially announced.

In previous years, the SA20 has taken precedence over other international tours. In 2023, Cricket South Africa (CSA) prioritized the franchise competition over a Test tour of New Zealand, sending a second-string squad instead. CSA also withdrew from an ODI series in Australia that clashed with the SA20, sacrificing valuable World Cup Super League points.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape, owned by the Sun Group, have won both previous seasons of the SA20. They will face stiff competition from last season's runners-up Durban's Super Giants, as well as Pretoria Capitals, Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, and Paarl Royals.

The SA20 has quickly established itself as a major force in the global cricket landscape, attracting top players from around the world. The upcoming season promises to deliver another thrilling spectacle of cricket and entertainment for fans in South Africa and beyond.

Tags: #SA20, #SouthAfricanCricket, #T20League, #GlobalCricketCalendar, #SunrisersEasternCape