SA20 Schedule: The SA20 enters new territory with the arrival of its fourth edition, and even Graeme Smith never one to be short on self-assurance admitted he’s not quite sure what to expect. League commissioner and former South Africa captain Smith has watched on with pride as the tournament surged out of the starting blocks, but this season will present challenges unlike any before, starting from 26th December 2025.
The SA20 shakes things up in a historic shift in the cricket calendar
It will be starting, for the very first time since its inaugural season in 2023, a lot earlier: whereas it commonly used to start around January 10, now it would kick off on Boxing Day, almost two weeks in advance.
Curtain raiser: Mumbai Indians Cape Town vs Super Giants of Durban at Newlands
By 10 January, the competition will be 19 matches old.
This is bold to break with tradition, as since time immemorial, late December and early January have been left for Test cricket in South Africa.
- No International Cricket Window
- No international cricket scheduled during this window
- Grounds need upgrading before the 2027 Men’s World Cup
The early 2026 men’s T20 World Cup makes it worth their while to start preparing now.
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Graeme Smith says that the discussions with CSA had begun almost two years back in order to align calendars and maximize use of the empty window.
Challenge: Fixtures, Venues, and Festive Challenges
Week one of the SA20 is a busy and festive one:
The double-headers take place in Centurion, Paarl, and Gqeberha. Kingsmead will host matches despite the unpredictable summer weather of Durban.
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A New Year’s Day clash at the Wanderers in Johannesburg
These games inject excitement, but also uncertainty over travel, weather, and the reception of crowds.
- Coastal Crowds vs Highveld Ghost Towns
- Attendance Concerns and Optimism
Traditionally, Johannesburg and Pretoria empty out during December holidays, while coastal cities fill up. The effect this may have on crowd sizes, especially for Highveld venues such as the Wanderers, is a question.
But SA20 may buck historical trends:
- Smaller match format befits holiday schedules
- Fans can combine beach time with evening cricket.
This reduces reliance on physical attendance with strong TV and digital engagement. Thankfully, the opening match and the final at Newlands are already sold out.
Honest Analysis by Graeme Smith
Smith freely acknowledged there were “a lot of unknowns,” including:
- Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve fixtures
- Early-season Highveld conditions
Logistical challenges with holiday travel Far from complacency, this transparency reflects plotting with due respect for the magnitude of the tournament.
SA20 Schedule 2025/26 Season 4
| Date | Match | Venue | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Dec 2025 | MI Cape Town vs Durban’s Super Giants | Newlands, Cape Town | 21:00 ) |
| 27 Dec 2025 | Pretoria Capitals vs Joburg Super Kings | Centurion | 16:30 |
| Paarl Royals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Boland Park, Paarl | 21:00 | |
| 28 Dec 2025 | Durban’s Super Giants vs MI Cape Town | Kingsmead, Durban | 19:00 |
| 29 Dec 2025 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | 21:00 |
| 30 Dec 2025 | Durban’s Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings | Kingsmead, Durban | 21:00 |
| 31 Dec 2025 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Paarl Royals | St George’s Park | 16:30 |
| MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals | Newlands, Cape Town | 21:00 | |
| 1 Jan 2026 | Joburg Super Kings vs Durban’s Super Giants | The Wanderers, Johannesburg | 21:00 |
| 2 Jan 2026 | Paarl Royals vs MI Cape Town | Boland Park, Paarl | 21:00 |
| 3 Jan 2026 | Joburg Super Kings vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Wanderers, Johannesburg | 16:30 |
Why SA20 Will Prosper Again And yet, even as SA20 remains in uncharted waters, it is wearing an air of confidence. From sold-out ticket sales to the keen interest of fans, to the smart scheduling of the tournament, everything seems set fair for repeating the magic of last season’s showpiece end.
It feels a little risky, perhaps, shifting away from tradition, but innovation has always been central to its identity. If history serves as any guide, South Africa’s premier T20 league is on course for another season that promises to be nothing less than exceptional.
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