SA20 Explained: South Africa's T20 Franchise League
The SA20 is South Africa's IPL-affiliated T20 franchise league, launched in January 2023 with six teams co-owned by IPL franchises. Learn how SA20 works, its link to the IPL, and its role in revitalising South African cricket.
The SA20 is South Africa's professional T20 franchise league, launched by Cricket South Africa (CSA) in January 2023. The competition is unique among franchise cricket leagues in that all six of its franchises are co-owned by IPL franchises — creating a direct structural link between the world's richest cricket league (IPL) and South Africa's domestic market.
The Six Teams and IPL Connections
- Durban Super Giants — co-owned by Lucknow Super Giants (IPL)
- Joburg Super Kings — co-owned by Chennai Super Kings (IPL)
- MI Cape Town — co-owned by Mumbai Indians (IPL)
- Paarl Royals — co-owned by Rajasthan Royals (IPL)
- Pretoria Capitals — co-owned by Delhi Capitals (IPL)
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape — co-owned by Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL)
The SA20 Season and Format
The SA20 runs in January and February — bridging Australia's BBL season and before the IPL begins, creating a year-round T20 franchise ecosystem for players who participate in multiple leagues. The competition runs a full home-and-away format culminating in knockout semifinals and a final. Most players in the SA20 squad are South African internationals and contracted domestic players, supplemented by international overseas signings.
Impact on South African Cricket
The SA20 was partly motivated by the failure of CSA's previous attempts at a franchise league — the Ram Slam T20 Challenge attracted limited investment and international interest. By partnering with IPL franchises, SA20 attracted both investment capital and global brand recognition. The league has drawn top international players and revived the domestic T20 market. However, some criticism has focused on the reduction of South African players' availability for domestic and international cricket during the SA20 window.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SA20 cricket league?
The SA20 is South Africa's professional T20 franchise cricket league, launched in 2023 with six teams each co-owned by an IPL franchise. It runs in January and February each year.
Which IPL teams own SA20 franchises?
All six SA20 teams are co-owned by IPL franchises: Durban Super Giants (Lucknow), Joburg Super Kings (CSK), MI Cape Town (Mumbai Indians), Paarl Royals (Rajasthan Royals), Pretoria Capitals (Delhi Capitals), Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SRH).
When does the SA20 season take place?
The SA20 season runs in January and February, after the BBL's main schedule and before the IPL begins, allowing players to participate in multiple leagues.