The SA20 has signed a 10-year contract with India’s newest sports network.
SA20 and Viacom18 will work closely to grow and engage cricket fans in India, as South Africa’s premier T20 league grows its network in the market.
The league already has strong ties with India with all of the franchises having been purchased by owners of IPL teams.
It is hoped that South Africa’s strong cricket roots, domestic set-up and the popularity of its players with Indian fans will enable SA20 to stand out among other international T20 leagues in what has become a very saturated market.
“Today is a groundbreaking day for South African cricket,” said SA20 league commissioner Graeme Smith. “This long-term partnership between the SA20 and Viacom18 as our official Indian broadcaster is a catalyst that supports our ambitions to build the world’s second-biggest league.
“The benefits to domestic cricket will be far-reaching with more South African players exposed to a global cricket audience and a stimulus to build a strong and sustainable cricket ecosystem.”
READ: SA20 squads confirmed after bidding war
The inaugural edition of the SA20 features a host of local and international cricket stars primed to deliver an entertaining and competitive show of cricket for fans across the globe.
“T20 is the most popular cricket format with Indian fans,” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj. “The history and legacy of South Africa cricket and the popularity of South African cricketers in India make it a thrilling proposition for cricket fans in India.”
The first ball will be bowled on 10 January with the six teams contesting 33 matches across six venues.
The SA20 will feature international superstars like Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, Maheesh Theekshana, Jason Holder, as well as Dewald Brevis.
WATCH: Brevis blasts big T20 century
At the inaugural SA20 auction in September over 100 players were signed by the six teams.
Franchises could sign up a maximum of 10 South Africans and seven overseas cricketers in their squad.
For every match, each team will be allowed to have up to four overseas players in the XI. All teams have also opted to sign up one uncapped young player.
