Johannesburg, South Africa
SA20 and Cricket South Africa have solidified the future of the country’s premier T20 tournament by confirming its official competition window for the next three seasons. This move provides clarity for stakeholders and ensures the league’s alignment with the global cricket calendar.
Scheduled Dates for Upcoming Seasons
The fourth edition of SA20 is set to take place during South Africa’s peak festive period, beginning on December 26, 2025, and running until January 26, 2026. This scheduling strategically leads up to the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
The fifth season will return to its traditional January slot, taking place from January 9 to February 14, 2027. This adjustment aims to allow for a more balanced schedule with fewer weekday matches and more rest days.
In what promises to be an exciting year for South African cricket, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027. Following that, SA20’s sixth season will be played from January 9 to February 13, 2028.
League Commissioner Graeme Smith on Future Planning
League Commissioner Graeme Smith highlighted the importance of confirming SA20’s competition window well in advance, ensuring stability for teams, players, and fans.
“Locking in our schedule for the next three years allows us to provide certainty for all stakeholders while securing our place in the global cricket calendar,” Smith stated in an official press release.
He further emphasized the significance of scheduling around key holidays and major international events.
“We know fans enjoy weekend and holiday fixtures. With the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for early February 2026, our Season 4 dates align perfectly with South Africa’s peak cricket season and key public holidays. Additionally, early planning has allowed us to extend our window from the 2026/27 season, optimizing scheduling, logistics, and the overall fan experience,” he added.
Consideration of ICC Events and Future Tours Programme
The decision to finalize the SA20 competition window took into account the ICC’s global event schedule through 2031 and the Future Tours Programme (FTP) until 2027. A working group comprising representatives from SA20 and Cricket South Africa carefully evaluated these factors before determining the dates for Seasons 4, 5, and 6.
Exciting Conclusion to Season 3
Meanwhile, the ongoing third season of SA20 is heading into its decisive Playoff stage. The action begins in Gqeberha on Tuesday, with a highly anticipated Western Cape derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals at St George’s Park. On Wednesday, Centurion will host a thrilling Eliminator match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings, where both teams will fight for survival in the tournament.
With long-term planning in place, SA20 is set to further establish itself as a premier T20 competition, offering fans high-quality cricket while fitting seamlessly into the global cricket calendar.
