SA20 Changes South African Cricket

The inaugural ILT20 2025 Teams, the new T20 franchise competition in South Africa, has sparked an uptick in fan interest, with record-breaking ticket sales and TV viewership figures. For brands looking to engage with a passionate audience, the tournament offers a dynamic platform for engagement.

SA20’s impact is not just measured in revenue and viewers, however. It has also put the game at the forefront of national consciousness, and opened a window into the country for fans around the world.

SA20 Changes South African Cricket

For the people of the Eastern Cape, the country’s black heartland, SA20 has been transformative. The first-ever title win by the team from Gqeberha, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, drew crowds of thousands to stadiums across the province. Success breeds support, and the twin titles Markram’s men won have revitalised not just the game, but broader society in the impoverished region.

Despite its relative obscurity, the competition has triggered an uptick in interest and boosted revenue for the six franchises, which are owned by Indian Premier League teams. CSA will still have to wait a few cycles before sharing the loot with its shareholders, but the event is already turning a profit.

The money has changed the face of professional sport in the country, bringing more attention to domestic players and making it easier for young talent to get into the system. The increased exposure has prompted the franchises to invest more in local talent, which is now a vital component of each team. The SA20 has helped nurture youngsters like Lhu-andre Pretorius, Kwena Maphaka, and Roelof Van der Merwe, who may not have made the grade as quickly had the franchises not given them a shot.