Top News

The SA20 has been instrumental in bringing cricket back to the fans in South Africa, according to former Proteas pace bowler Dale Steyn. The league will host its fifth season later this year, and Steyn lauded the tournament's contributions to the sport and the passionate backing it has garnered from spectators nationwide.

Since its inception, the SA20 has experienced capacity crowds and a surge in popularity. According to Steyn, the competition arrived at a crucial moment for South African cricket, which was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a media interaction organised by SA20, Steyn said:

"South Africa has been desperate for cricket. The world went through a pandemic, and sport was definitely taken away from South Africa. Local sport took a hit in South Africa. I think (SA20 Commissioner) Graeme Smith and the league have given the sport back to the country."

He went on to laud the crowd support that has contributed to the competition's growth in its past four seasons.

He added:

"You've been desperate for cricket and we've given it back to the fans and the spectators. They have grabbed it with both hands and SA20 has delivered. Now, the spectators are delivering. They are coming back season after season supporting their teams."

Steyn also alluded to South Africa's robust connection with India as a contributing factor to the tournament's success. Several of the SA20's franchises are Indian Premier League teams, fostering a strong link between the two leagues.

“South Africa's relationship with India has been phenomenal. With the introduction of the SA20 and having Indian owners for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, MI Cape Town etc… so having that relationship feeds really well.”

The ex-proteas pacer continued that Cricket South Africa has been mindful in their scheduling to prevent overlaps with the IPL, ensuring key South African cricketers can fully participate in both tournaments.

He said:

“When it comes to scheduling, CSA is pretty certain that they've got no cricket that interferes with the timeline of the IPL. So, a lot of those white ball players are going to be available for the IPL — class players for a full tournament."

He added:

“It's not, oh!, we're resting them for the first four weeks or they're unavailable because there's a series coming up etc. Coaches and teams know that."

Also Read | Kane Williamson Retires: 4 Young Players Who Can Fill His Spot in New Zealand Tests

Steyn was then questioned on whether an SA20 match could be played in India, a similar concept to the BBL, who plan to host the opening match of their 2026-27 season in Chennai.

The former paceman indicated that he feels the league should continue to be played in front of South African supporters, explaining he feels it wouldn't be appropriate to remove a game from locals while the competition is enjoying great success.

"The biggest takeaway from the SA20 is the spectators. So, I would feel harsh to rob the South Africans of one game. The Indians have got the IPL, the biggest competition. They're spoiled with the IPL. I can promise you that. To give them another game and then take it away from the South Africans, I feel like you're just shooting yourself in the foot."

Steyn then added that the league doesn't require major changes.

"I don't think that that would be an option for the SA20. I think it's doing really well in South Africa. And there's a saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

The comments from Steyn, ahead of the fifth edition of the competition, highlight the success and growing stature of one of the most in-demand T20 leagues in the sport of cricket.