SA20 Confident Despite BBL’s Bid to Become Second-Biggest League After IPL, Says Smith
The organisers of the SA20 believe the league has already established a firm foothold in the global cricket landscape and will not be threatened by the Big Bash League’s (BBL) ambition to become the second-biggest tournament after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Commissioner Graeme Smith expressed confidence that SA20 remains well-placed to retain its position.
Salary Cap and Growth
Now heading into its fourth season on Boxing Day, the SA20 boasts IPL ownership across all six franchises and holds the second-highest salary cap globally at R41 million (US$2.31 million). By that measure, it is already considered the leading league after the IPL. With a marquee auction scheduled for September 9, Smith underlined that the goal is to maintain this standing.
“When we started, we were built up against the ILT20 and Big Bash, and we set ourselves big ambitions upfront,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo. “In the southern hemisphere window, we want to dominate and be the biggest league outside the IPL. Three years in, we’ve set the standard. Every decision we make is around making sure we uphold those standards.”
BBL’s Push for Privatisation
Smith’s comments come shortly after Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg declared that the BBL would “unashamedly” chase second spot by exploring privatisation. Greenberg emphasised the need for money and investment to boost player salaries and ensure player availability. The BBL will become the last major league to seek private investment, following moves by The Hundred in England.
While The Hundred operates in a different window, the BBL clashes directly with the SA20. This overlap could lead to competition for players and a loss of global status.
Player Availability and South Africa’s Priorities
Smith remained bullish, stressing that SA20 has the advantage of full access to South Africa’s international and domestic players. Even at the expense of international fixtures, national players prioritise SA20. Last year, South Africa sent a weakened Test team to New Zealand during the tournament, a decision that faced criticism but ultimately paid off, as South Africa went on to win the World Test Championship final.
“Everyone was worried that we were going to destroy Test cricket, but we’ve seen our national team go on to win the World Test Championship final,” Smith said. “We’ve been part of bringing gravitas back to South African cricket, seeing new fans return and creating new energy.”
The tournament also attracts overseas talent. In its first two seasons, several English white-ball and Test players featured. While this year’s Ashes may limit Test players’ availability, Smith expects a strong international presence, with Jos Buttler already pre-signed by Durban’s Super Giants after two seasons with Paarl Royals.
Auction Dynamics and Local Talent
Each franchise was allowed six retentions or pre-signed players ahead of Season 4. Of the 36 slots, only 13 were filled by South Africans, setting the stage for an auction with a large purse and plenty of opportunities for emerging local players.
“I expected a lot more top South African players to pre-sign and that didn’t happen,” Smith noted. “From our perspective, it’s set up a very exciting auction with a very big purse.”
Infrastructure and Pitches
Smith also addressed stadium and pitch concerns. Last season, surfaces showed signs of wear, but with South Africa not hosting home Tests this summer, he anticipates fresher conditions. The league is working with Cricket South Africa to improve stadiums, lighting, and pitches as part of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“The pitches last year didn’t play as well as we would have liked,” Smith admitted. “We’re working on revamping stadiums and facilities. Everything is a big work in progress behind the scenes.”
Looking Ahead
The SA20 auction will be held in Johannesburg on September 9, with player registration closing on August 18. Smith’s vision remains clear: keep SA20 at the top of global cricket’s pecking order, just behind the IPL, regardless of competition from the BBL or any other league.
