30 Sep #SA20 HERALDS A NEW DAWN FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CRICKET
An exciting new dawn is coming for cricket in South Africa in 2023. The highly anticipated #SA20 is set to change the game, as well as the lives of South African cricketers. “It is massively exciting for us to get this competition up and running,” Tournament Commissioner Graeme Smith explained.
The Twenty20 format is one that has garnered a new generation of cricket followers around the world, and the #SA20 is eager to find a place in each South African heart. “This format of the game is all about pace, power and passion. We will have some of the very best players in the world coming here, combining with the very best that South African cricket has to offer, and we just can’t wait to start this journey, Smith continued. #SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several Indian Premier League strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint.
“It is a thrill to be working so closely with experienced franchises such as the Mubai Indians and the Delhi Capitals”, Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki enthused. “Of course, we will add our uniquely South African flavour to this tournament, and we want to establish it as a go-to destination at the start of each cricket year.” The first edition of #SA20 is set for January 2023, and the league has already signed up some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit.
Every game of #SA20 will be broadcast live on Supersport. The broadcasting giant is an equal shareholder in the #SA20 league, and their commitment is another feather in the cap for the competition.
“We know just how much South Africans love their sport, and especially their home-grown success stories,” Supersport CEO Marc Jury explained. “As Supersport, we are deeply invested in showing and celebrating more of our sporting heroes, and the SA20 is a terrific opportunity to showcase the very best of South African sport. We are especially thrilled at the prospect of the Women’s league that will launch in 2024.”
The women’s league cannot start alongside the men’s #SA20 due to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but stars such as Laura Wolvaardt, Ayabonga Khaka and Sune Luus will be able to entertain crowds across South Africa from 2024.
“The development of the women’s game in South Africa over the past few years has been very exciting. They are competing at major tournaments, and new stars are emerging every year, ready to inspire. We can’t wait for them to be part of this #SA20 journey,” Smith added.
The inaugural season of #SA20 will go sharply into focus in September, when the first player auction takes place in Cape Town. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, so there will be plenty of opportunities for young local talent to flourish while playing alongside the best in the world.
“You can only grow when you push yourself and your skill-set to the next level. This tournament will provide incredible opportunities for growth and will also strengthen South African cricket for years to come,” Smith concluded.