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The history of the SA20 – All you need to know

Last Updated: 12:43 GMT+2, Mon 26 January 2026. Written by Dylan Johnson

Since its launch in 2023, the Betway SA20 has transformed South Africa’s domestic cricket landscape. Designed to revitalise the T20 game and attract global attention, the six-team franchise league quickly established itself as one of the most competitive and commercially powerful tournaments outside India.

With packed stadiums, world-class overseas recruits and significant financial backing, the SA20 has become a cornerstone of South African cricket’s modern identity. Check ICC Mens T20 World Cup fixtures and ODI fixtures as well.

The inaugural season: Sunrisers Eastern Cape set the standard (2023)

The first edition in 2023 delivered instant credibility. Sunrisers Eastern Cape claimed the maiden title with a victory over the Pretoria Capitals, showcasing a balanced squad built around local stars and seasoned internationals.

Jos Buttler finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 391 runs, while Roelof van der Merwe topped the wicket charts with 20. Aiden Markram, who captained the champions, was named the tournament’s first MVP. The champions earned prize money of roughly R35-million, reflecting the league’s serious investment from day one. Check all SA20 news.

Back-to-back glory for the Sunrisers (2024)

The 2024 season confirmed the Sunrisers’ dominance as they secured a second consecutive title, this time with a commanding win over Durban’s Super Giants in the final.

Ryan Rickelton produced a standout campaign with 530 runs, finishing as the top scorer, while Marco Jansen, a central figure in the Sunrisers’ attack, claimed 20 wickets to lead the bowling charts.

Heinrich Klaasen earned Player of the Series honours after a highly influential season. Prize money remained substantial, with the champions earning around R32.5-million.

A new champion emerges (2025)

The 2025 edition marked a shift in power. MI Cape Town broke the Sunrisers’ two-year hold on the trophy, defeating them in a strong final performance.

Lhuan-dré Pretorius delivered a breakthrough season to finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 397 runs. Marco Jansen once again topped the wicket tally with 19 and was named the tournament’s MVP, underlining his reputation as the SA20’s most consistent performer across its first three seasons. MI Cape Town collected approximately R34-million in prize money for their triumph. Check out cricket fixtures.

A growing powerhouse in global T20 cricket

Across its first three seasons, the Betway SA20 has produced high-quality competition, emerging stars and consistently strong financial rewards. Its winners have rotated between two of South Africa’s most ambitious franchises, but each season has introduced new standout performers and deeper squad quality. With continued investment and rising global interest, the SA20 is firmly positioned to remain a key part of the international T20 calendar.

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