SA20 competition will start on Boxing Day next summer, increasing overlap with BBL and hunt for players

The fight for the best players is already a tough one for the BBL, but a move by a rival South African competition could make things even more challenging.

Former Australian nemesis Graeme Smith has sent a shot across the bow of the BBL by declaring his SA20 tournament will begin on Boxing Day next summer, potentially drawing more big names away from the Big Bash.

The South African T20 franchises are backed by monster IPL parents to which players like Marcus Stoinis, who joined the tournament as soon as his duties as captain of the Melbourne Stars were done, are tied.

Smith, the former South African captain and now SA20 commissioner, locked in the playing window for the next three tournaments, bringing next year’s forward because there are no home Tests.

“Confirming the Betway SA20 window for a three-year period allows the league to bring certainty to all stakeholders and assists in securing our place when planning the global calendar,” Smith said.

Fresh off a BBL winning hundred, Mitch Owen is ready to bring the Gees for the Royals! 🔥💗

🚨 The young Australian will replace Joe Root, who leaves tomorrow to join England in India. pic.twitter.com/vDeXCpAZSR

— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) January 30, 2025

“We know fans respond particularly well to weekend and holiday fixtures, and with the ICC T20 World Cup in early February next year, our season 4 dates provide the unique opportunity to capitalise on South Africa’s peak cricket season and key public holidays.

“Early planning has also meant that we are able to look at an extended window from 2026-27 and this will optimise scheduling.”

The Big Bash experienced huge numbers in attendances and TV audiences this summer, having shortened the season and locked in some international players to long-term deals to keep them in the tournament longer.

Big Bash officials also increased the salary cap to compete with a suite of other competitions, but several leading players, including James Vince, left early to fulfil their contracts with rival leagues.

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 🚨 #BetwaySA20 confirms competition window for the next 3️⃣ years 🏏 https://t.co/JSc5dFcz9v#WelcomeToIncrediblepic.twitter.com/57QfokBxkg

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 3, 2025

A home Ashes series next summer could increase the potential of English stars, including Joe Root, who played for Paarl in the SA20 before being replaced by Big Bash final hero Mitch Owen for the finals, to stay and play the BBL.

But Cricket Australia has battled to get even Australia’s Test stars to play and fast bowler Mitch Starc said he’d likely have to retire from international cricket before playing again.

“As long as the Australian summer is the way it is, where we have two weeks (off), not even – we had 10 days this year. If that’s how it is, probably not,” he said.

“If I retire from something, perhaps. Who knows?”

The start dates for the 2025/26 BBL are yet to be confirmed, with the player trade window open.

After an early start next summer, the SA20 will again revert to beginning in the second week of January.

Originally published as SA20 competition will start on Boxing Day next summer, increasing overlap with BBL and hunt for players