Credit: SA20
The SA20, which will begin its fourth season on Boxing Day this year, has IPL ownership across all six franchises. The upcoming SA20 auction is set for September 9, 2025, in Johannesburg with only 13 of the 36 available pre-sign or retention spots filled by South African players. Reports are claiming that the SA20 are in a position of contention with Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) in being the world’s second-biggest T20 competition behind the IPL. Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg’s recent reported declaration that the BBL is “unashamedly” targeting second place behind the IPL by seeking private investment to boost player salaries and availability.
In the race for the reported number two spot, SA20’s commissioner and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith expressed confidence that the SA20. He admits that SA20 has already carved out a dominant position in the southern hemisphere and is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading T20 league. Smith believes that the robust foundation built by the tournament over three seasons, it is poised to continue its ascent in the global cricket landscape. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo ahead of the player registration deadline for the SA20 auction, Smith said, “We want to dominate, and we want to be the biggest league outside the IPL. Three years in, we’ve set the standard.”
SA20 reportedly boasts the second-highest salary cap after the IPL of USD 2.31 million
With IPL having an ownership in all six franchises in SA20, the league reportedly benefits from the expertise and financial backing of IPL. Reports also claim that the SA20 has the second-highest salary cap after the IPL of USD 2.31 million. The third season, which concluded in February 2025 with MI Cape Town defeating Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final, reportedly saw record attendance of over 380,000 fans, alongside strong viewership and digital engagement.The BBL, which runs from December 15, 2025, to January 27, 2026, overlaps with the SA20’s January 9 to February 8, 2026, window, creating a direct clash for player availability and global attention.
However, Smith remains bullish, pointing to the SA20’s ability to secure South Africa’s top players and attract international stars like Jos Buttler, who was pre-signed by Durban’s Super Giants for the upcoming season. Unlike the BBL, which competes with Australia’s international summer and often lacks Test players, the SA20 benefits from Cricket South Africa’s reported policy of prioritising the league, even at the expense of international commitments.
This was evident last year when South Africa sent an understrength Test side to New Zealand, a decision that reportedly drew criticism but was vindicated by their World Test Championship final victory.
