The SA20 league has quickly gained prominence as a major success in South Africa’s cricket landscape, with all six franchises owned by IPL teams, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and two-time IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Since SA20’s inception, the league has not only boosted viewership and revenue but has also greatly enhanced the fan experience and elevated the quality of cricket in South Africa. In part due to SA20’s positive impact, South Africa reached the finals of the T20 World Cup in 2024.

‘You can see it clearly in terms of how they create fan engagement’ – Paul Adams on SA20

Former South African cricketer Paul Adams has recently opined on the significant advantages IPL-owned franchises bring to SA20, noting their expertise and resources as instrumental. 

In a recent interview, Adams noted, “Having IPL teams as part of ownership, they bring a lot of their resources as well as expertise. You can see it clearly in terms of how they create fan engagement, creating their own identity within each city. And it’s been absolutely amazing how quickly people have really latched on to their home cities and just created this whole vibe. You can clearly see it from the viewership as well as the quality of professionals that have come over.” 

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The 47-year-old Cape Town native also spoke about the vibrant energy surrounding SA20, underscoring its positive impact on South African cricket as a whole. “It’s been really great. I think the energy around the tournament and also the quality of the players has been absolutely magnificent. You can feel that, when you’re at the grounds, when you’re around, when the tournament’s on, there’s quite a bit of a buzz about it. I think it will inject a lot of positivity within cricket in general in South Africa,” he added.

Adams’ insights highlight how the IPL’s influence has fueled SA20’s rapid rise, bringing a fresh vibrancy to South African cricket and solidifying its popularity among fans.

The next edition of the SA20 tournament will be conducted in the latter half of January 2025.