Graeme Smith, the commissioner of SA20, South Africa’s T20 franchise competition, expressed that the inaugural edition exceeded expectations and had a positive impact on local economies. As a result, the competition is expanding for the upcoming year, with a 12% increase in the salary cap and larger squad sizes to promote local talent.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape emerged victorious in January’s event, defeating Pretoria Capitals by four wickets in a sold-out match held in Johannesburg. Smith highlighted the substantial economic impact observed through their study. He emphasized the growth of employment opportunities resulting from investments made by global teams, franchises, and businesses in South Africa and the broader African region.
Smith acknowledged the challenges faced by various industries, including sports, during the post-Covid period. However, he noted that the sports industry in South Africa is experiencing significant growth, benefiting the economy in multiple ways. This growth is evident in the establishment of businesses by the teams, increased employment opportunities, and the boost to sectors like travel and hospitality, including hotels during the tournament period.
Regarding player selections, Smith addressed the criticism about the lack of representation of black South African players in the previous year’s draft. He emphasized that the tournament organizers will not interfere with franchise owners’ team selections and ruled out the implementation of a quota system or Rooney rule. Smith expressed confidence that the representation of black South African players will naturally improve over time as franchises invest in South African cricket and work alongside Cricket South Africa to develop the game.
Despite the limited preparation period of five months before the inaugural SA20, the competition successfully attracted attention and generated enthusiasm among fans. Smith recalled the memorable experience of the first week, with packed stadiums and passionate supporters rallying behind their teams. He expressed the desire to recreate that atmosphere and elevate cricket to its rightful place in South Africa, aspiring for the SA20 to become the top sports and entertainment league in the country and the second-largest global league after the IPL.
Addressing the growth of women’s cricket, Smith confirmed the commitment to launch a women’s version of SA20. However, he acknowledged the need to first focus on increasing participation levels and developing the women’s game in South Africa. Collaborating with Cricket South Africa, plans are underway to support programs and make substantial investments in the women’s game to establish a strong women’s version of SA20 in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SA20 franchise competition
What is SA20?
SA20 refers to South Africa’s T20 franchise competition, which is a cricket tournament featuring six competing franchises.
Who won the inaugural SA20?
Sunrisers Eastern Cape emerged as the champions of the first SA20 tournament by defeating Pretoria Capitals in the final.
How did the SA20 impact local economies?
According to Graeme Smith, the SA20 commissioner, the tournament had a significant economic impact by boosting employment opportunities and attracting investments from global teams, franchises, and businesses in South Africa and Africa as a whole.
Will there be any changes in the upcoming SA20?
Yes, for the next edition of the competition, there will be a 12% increase in the salary cap, allowing teams to invest more in player salaries. Additionally, the squad sizes will be larger to encourage the development of local talent.
How are player selections determined in the SA20?
The franchise owners are responsible for team selections in the SA20. The tournament organizers do not interfere in the selection process. There is no quota system or Rooney rule implemented.
Is there a plan to promote women’s cricket in the SA20?
Yes, there is a commitment to launch a women’s version of the SA20. Efforts are being made to support programs and make investments in the women’s game to establish a strong women’s SA20 in the future.
What are the aspirations for the SA20?
The goal for the SA20 is to become the top sports and entertainment league in South Africa and one of the largest global leagues outside of India, second only to the IPL. The organizers aim to elevate cricket’s status and popularity in the country.
More about SA20 franchise competition
- SA20: South Africa’s T20 franchise competition
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape clinch SA20 title
- Graeme Smith on the economic impact of SA20
- Expansion plans and changes for upcoming SA20 edition
- Player selection process and policies in SA20
- Commitment to promoting women’s cricket in the SA20
- Aspirations and goals for the SA20
5 comments
Glad to hear there are plans for a women’s version of SA20! It’s important to invest in and develop women’s cricket. Looking forward to seeing more support and opportunities for female cricketers. #WomenInSport
Interesting to hear that SA20 had a positive impact on local economies. Cricket really does have the power to bring people together and boost the economy. Exciting times ahead for South African cricket! #CricketEconomics
Wow, Sunrisers Eastern Cape rocked the SA20! Loved the sold-out final, gr8 atmosphere. Graeme Smith doing a fab job as commissioner. Can’t wait for next year’s tournament, gonna be even bigger! #SA20Champions
So, SA20 doesn’t have any quotas or a Rooney rule for player selections? Hmm, I hope they can find a good balance to ensure representation of black South African players. Let’s see how it naturally evolves. #SA20TeamSelection
graeme smith says sa20 was gr8, boosted the economy, bigger squads nxt year. SA20>ipl 4 sure, gonna b huge! #excited