By Tim Douglas 
South Africa’s premier T20 competition, SA20, has confirmed its tournament schedule for the next three seasons, ensuring consistency and alignment with the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) and global cricket calendar. This move by SA20 and Cricket South Africa (CSA) provides clarity for players, franchises, broadcasters, and fans, further solidifying the league’s position as one of the world’s leading franchise competitions.
SA20 Future Schedule: Key Dates
SA20 Season 4 (2025-26):
December 26, 2025 – January 26, 2026
The tournament kicks off during South Africa’s festive holiday period, maximizing attendance and engagement.
Leads directly into the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka (February 2026).
SA20 Season 5 (2027):
January 9 – February 14, 2027
Returns to a January-February window, allowing for fewer weekday matches and more strategic scheduling.
Coincides with a landmark year for South African cricket, as the country co-hosts the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
SA20 Season 6 (2028):
January 9 – February 13, 2028
Aligns with the global cricket calendar to ensure continued success.
A Strategic Move for Long-Term Growth
Speaking on the announcement, SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith emphasized the importance of securing a long-term window for the competition.
“Confirming the 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,” said Smith.
He highlighted the significance of weekend and holiday fixtures, ensuring maximum viewership and attendance. Additionally, with the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for February 2026, the 2025-26 season will play a crucial role in player preparations, making SA20 an essential tournament in the lead-up to the global event.
Consideration of Global Cricket Commitments
The decision was made after reviewing:
The ICC event schedule (until 2031)
The Future Tours Programme (FTP) until 2027
A dedicated working group from both SA20 and Cricket South Africa (CSA) collaborated to determine the most optimal competition window for Seasons 4, 5, and 6.
Current Season 3 Heads to Playoffs
While future planning is in full swing, SA20 Season 3 is reaching its climax as the tournament heads into the playoff stage. The knockout battles begin in Gqeberha on Tuesday, featuring an intense Western Cape derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings will fight for survival in the Eliminator at Centurion on Wednesday.
What This Means for SA20 and South African Cricket
Global Recognition – Aligning with the ICC calendar cements SA20’s place among top franchise leagues.
Enhanced Fan Experience – More weekend and holiday matches mean better viewership and stadium attendance.
Better Player Availability – A fixed window ensures that top international stars can participate without schedule conflicts.
Stronger Cricket Ecosystem – This benefits South African cricket by providing a world-class platform for local talent.