Former South African cricketer and current SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith has hailed the league’s strong growth in its third season, noting significant increases in viewership, crowd attendance, and ticket sales during the opening weeks of the ongoing campaign. The legendary captain expressed confidence that the tournament has “stepped up another level” this year and is heading toward a strong finish.

Clear growth in viewership and attendance

Speaking to the media about South Africa’s premier T20 league, Smith said SA20 has shown clear growth in its opening weeks, with rising viewership, strong crowds, and an improved atmosphere. He expressed optimism about fan interest and a strong finish to the season, noting the league is only halfway through.

“We have seen clear growth over the opening two weeks, in viewership, crowd attendance and the overall atmosphere. The cricket itself has been very strong, which is really exciting. One can’t always predict the weather. Unseasonal fronts in parts of South Africa create challenges, especially with a game every day and constant travel. But I think right now we’ve just got to stay positive. There’s a lot of cricket still left to be played. We’re only halfway really in the season and the tension and the atmosphere, and I can just feel the number of people that are talking, wanting to come to games,” the former Proteas captain said.

“Even with one or two rained-out games, watching how the crowds haven’t left, it shows you that the product, I think, has really stepped up another level this year. Our job is to stay positive, and we keep going and pushing for a strong finish to the season,” he added.

Major increase in ticket sales

Speaking about key indicators of SA20’s success, Smith said that the rise in ticket sales is a major marker reflecting the league’s growing popularity. The numbers paint an impressive picture of the tournament’s commercial growth.

“We’ve seen a big increase in ticketing. I think we’ve four more sold-out games already than we were at the same point last year. What’s it, over 27 or 28% increase in ticketing in the first half of the season? Viewership is up in India, viewership is up here; digital growth is up.”

The 27-28% increase in ticket sales compared to the same point last year demonstrates the league’s expanding fanbase and commercial appeal, while the growth in Indian viewership highlights SA20’s increasing international reach.

Quality of cricket another key metric

Smith said the quality of cricket is another key measure of SA20’s success, praising improved pitches and competitive matches. He expressed hope that standards will continue to improve in the coming weeks as the tournament heads into its crucial phase.

“I think the other metric that’s important for me has always got to be the cricket. I think the pitches have been slightly better on a consistent level than they were last year. We’ve seen closer games, super-overs, hundreds, hat-tricks, number of last-over finishes. I think the quality of cricket has been excellent this year. I’m hoping that over the next two weeks, we’ll really see that stay the same or even get better,” Smith said.

The SA20 2025-26 season started on December 26 and is set to conclude on January 25 after a month-long T20 action in the Rainbow Nation. With the tournament now at its halfway mark, the league’s strong momentum suggests an exciting finish is in store for fans.