Franchise League in South Africa- SA20

The Indian Premier League had it’s inaugural season in 2008 and since then it has changed the dynamics of the game. Earlier, the scope of cricket was limited to board cricket, but after the inclusion of IPL, the facet of the game has changed completely. More and more countries are realizing the benefits of franchise cricket and hence a sincere effort is being made by their respective boards for the inclusion of such tournaments in their homeland as well. Not only is it helping in providing a better platform to budding cricketers, but is also helping in generating tremendous revenue. It was the mastermind of Lalit Modi that introduced the world to IPL and now every other country is following in his footsteps. The BCCI has actually taught the world about this aspect of gave, how cricket can move cross borders and how it can be played by uniting players from different countries. 

After India, countries like Pakistan, West Indies etc. have adopted this model of franchise cricket. Another country which has recently introduced franchise cricket in its circuit is South Africa. The tournament held here is called SA20 League. The first edition of SA20 was held in 2023 and second one in 2024. Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the first two editions, with Pretoria Capitals as runner up in first edition and Durham Super Giants as runner up in second

Total participating teams are 6 and the tournament is conducted in double round robin and knockout formats. Broadcasting rights are held by SuperSports, Sky Sports and Sports18. Betway are the title sponsors, hence the league is also known as Betway SA20 League. 

Teams in SA20

Statistics in SA20 so far

Most runs: Heinrich Klaasen (810)

Most wickets: Ottniel Baartman (30)

Highest score: Kyle Verreynne 116*

Most sixes: Heinrich Klaasen (54)

Most economical bowler: Rilee Rossouw (3.00)

Most catches: Will Jacks (14)

Highest team total: Durban Super Giants vs Pretoria Capitals (254-5)

Lowest team total: Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape (52 all out) 

Most dismissals: Jos Buttler (19)

Most catches: Will Jacks (14)

Season 3 of SA20 League 

The third edition of SA20 League will commence from 9 January, 2025 and the opening match will be played between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town. In total, there will be 34 matches with the grand finale scheduled for 8th February, 2025 at Johannesburg- the capital city. 

A lot of sports enthusiasts are pinning their hopes on Sunrisers Eastern Cape, as they have already clinched the title twice, in the first two editions. However, we can expect a better comeback from other sides as well as they will be eager to lift the 2025 edition. 

Squads for season 3 are as follows: 

Durham’s Super Giants: Keshav Maharaj(c), Noor Ahmed, Matthew Breeztzke, Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, Brandon King, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Naveen-ul-Haq, Bryce Parsons, Dwaine Pretorious, Jason Smith, JJ Smuts, Prenelan Subrayen, Kane Williamson, Chris

Joburg Super Kings: Faf du Plessis(c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Devon Conway, Leus du Plooy, Donovan Ferreira, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran Tahir, Maheesh Theekshana, David Wiese, Lizaad Williams

MI Cape Town: Chris Benjamin, Trent Boult, Dewald Brevis, Connor Esterhuizen, Thomas Kaber, Rashid Khan, George Linde, Azmatullah Omarzai, Delano Potgieter, Kasigo Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Ben Stokes, Nuwan Thushara, Rassie van der Dussen

Pretoria Capitals: Wayne Parnell(c), Eathan Bosch, Daryn Dupavillion, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Jacks, Senuran Muthusamy, James Neesham, Anrich Nortje, Migael Pretorius, Rilee Rossouw, Will Smeed, Steve Stolk, Tiaan van Vuuren, Kyle Verreynne

Paarl Royals: David Miller(c), Jacob Bethell, Bjorn Fortuin, Dayyaan Galiem, Sam Hain, Dinesh Karthik, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lhuan-dre-Pretorious, Joe Root, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram(c), Tom Abell, Ottniel Bedingham, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Simon Harmer, Jordan Hermann, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Craig Overton, Caleb Seleka, Andile Simelane, Tristan Stubbs, Beyers Swanepoel, Roelof van Merwe

India’s contribution in the league 

All the 6 owners of IPL are the owners in SA20 League as well. Hence, India is contributing a lot in the tournament, as far as investment is concerned. 

The only Indian player who will be featured in this league is Dinesh Karthik as he was signed by Paarl Royals. Hopefully, more and more players will join the southpaw wicket keeper batsman in the franchise cricket in South Africa in the coming years.