Former South Africa captain and SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith has opened up on the league’s remarkable rise as well as its deep and enduring connection with India — a relationship he believes has shaped both the competition’s identity and South African cricket’s resurgence.
Speaking at SA20 India Day in Mumbai, Smith reflected on the vision behind the league and how its early success has helped rebuild key pillars of South African cricket. He credited the involvement of six IPL franchises as a defining factor in SA20’s growth, enabling the tournament to gain credibility, structure, and a vibrant fan culture from the outset.
“Creating SA20 was about rebuilding South African cricket — bringing fans back to the stadiums and strengthening our player pool,” Graeme Smith said. “We were fortunate to attract six IPL franchises whose support has been crucial in the league’s successful first three seasons. The results have exceeded expectations, with both our men’s and women’s national teams showing significant improvement.”
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Smith also highlighted the historical and emotional value India holds for South Africa, tracing it back to the Proteas’ historic readmission tour in 1991–92. He stressed that every South Africa tour to India reinforces that bond, making the subcontinent a cornerstone of their cricketing growth.
The former opener touched on the rapid evolution of SA20, describing how the league has become the biggest T20 competition outside India within just three seasons. He drew parallels with the early days of the IPL, stating that SA20’s commitment to fan engagement, local talent development, and strong branding has helped it carve out a unique space in an already crowded T20 landscape.
SA20 India Day served as a celebration of this growing partnership, bringing together players, team owners, broadcasters, and industry leaders to discuss the league’s future ambitions. The event highlighted SA20’s cultural vibrance, its global appeal, and its vision of becoming a long-term cricketing powerhouse.
Graeme Smith admitted that crafting the league’s identity — especially the name, colours, and presentation — was a deliberate effort to stand out in a world filled with franchise tournaments. “We wanted something catchy, something people could instantly connect with,” he said. “Our colours, our vibrance, our name — it all comes to life during the South African summer.”
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He added that wherever he travels, particularly in India, fans praise SA20’s energy and entertainment value. “That vibrance is exactly what we wanted to bring to cricket,” Smith concluded.
