As the world of T20 cricket continues to evolve, fans are in for an exciting rivalry as two high-profile leagues — South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20 — launch their third seasons in January 2024. These leagues, both backed by major Indian franchise owners and featuring global cricketing stars, are aiming to claim the title of the world’s second-largest cricket leagues, just behind the Indian Premier League (IPL). The competition extends beyond the boundary lines, as two prominent broadcasters, JioStar Entertainment and Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE), fight for the viewership of cricket enthusiasts across the globe.
SA20: South Africa’s Premier T20 League Takes Center Stage
The SA20 has quickly risen as a formidable force in the world of T20 cricket, with its rapid growth since its inception. Under the leadership of Commissioner Graeme Smith, the league has become a crucial part of South Africa’s cricket resurgence. The league features six teams, all of which are owned by IPL-linked franchises. Among these teams are MI Cape Town (owned by Reliance Industries, the parent company of Mumbai Indians) and Durban Super Giants (owned by RPSG Group, the parent company of Lucknow Super Giants).
A key highlight of SA20’s success is its exceptional fan engagement, with an average stadium attendance of 75-80% in its first two seasons. Smith attributes this surge in popularity to the league’s innovative approach, offering a packed daily match schedule that has become a staple of South African cricket. “Before SA20, domestic cricket rarely filled stadiums. Now, we see sold-out games and a growing fan base,” Smith proudly shared.
For the third season, SA20 has introduced exciting changes, such as allowing local player releases and introducing more international stars to heighten the competition. With a strong focus on expanding the league’s reach, Smith believes that the growth of the league will not only bring fans back to the stadiums but will also contribute significantly to the development of South African cricket on the global stage. The league has also struck a 10-year, $100 million broadcast deal with Viacom18, reinforcing its growing credibility and investment in the future.
ILT20: The UAE’s Rising Star in the T20 Arena
The ILT20, established in the UAE, is also steadily building its reputation as a premier cricketing event. In just two seasons, the league has seen massive growth, with stadium attendance increasing by an astonishing 300%. The league features the highest number of international players per playing XI, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch the world’s cricketing elite showcase their skills.
David White, CEO of ILT20, has made it clear that the league is committed to becoming a global cricket fixture. “We aim to create a premier cricketing league that attracts the best talent from around the world,” White said. A standout feature of ILT20 is its marquee franchises, including those owned by global icons like Shah Rukh Khan’s Knight Riders Group, Reliance Industries, and the Glazer family (owners of Manchester United).
ILT20 has also been proactive in building strategic partnerships to increase fan engagement. A significant development has been the three-year partnership with Dream11, the world’s largest fantasy sports platform. This collaboration will not only bring fans closer to the action but also introduce exclusive content, live fantasy challenges, and interactive competitions to enrich the viewing experience.
In line with its international aspirations, ILT20 is working towards securing an exclusive window in the cricket calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts with other major tournaments. Though the upcoming season won’t feature such a window, discussions are ongoing to establish a more streamlined schedule in the future.
The Battle for Cricket Fans: JioStar vs ZEE
With the simultaneous launch of the SA20 and ILT20, the competition between broadcasters JioStar and ZEE will be intense. Both networks have secured exclusive broadcasting rights for their respective leagues, with JioStar Entertainment — the result of the merger between Disney Star and Viacom18 — set to air SA20 matches, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises handling the ILT20 coverage. This rivalry extends beyond the leagues themselves, as JioStar and ZEE battle to capture the attention of global cricket fans.
SA20 places its emphasis on South African talent, local player involvement, and fostering an authentic cricket experience. With strong foundations already in place, SA20 is optimistic about continuing to grow its fan base in the coming years. As Graeme Smith mentioned, “We are building a strong future, and fans are already showing increased early ticket sales, a promising sign for this market.”
Meanwhile, ILT20 is leveraging its international roster, diverse ownership, and groundbreaking partnerships to create a unique viewing experience for its audience. The combination of top-tier players, innovative fantasy platforms like Dream11, and world-class franchises has positioned ILT20 as a serious contender in the global cricketing landscape.
Which League Will Reign Supreme?
As the battle for cricket supremacy between SA20 and ILT20 intensifies, fans are set for a thrilling January 2024. The competition is not just about which league offers the best players but also which broadcaster can capture the imagination of the global cricket community. With both leagues offering high-quality cricket and an array of global stars, the upcoming season promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
In the long run, both SA20 and ILT20 are poised to make a significant impact on the global cricket calendar. Whether it’s SA20’s commitment to South African cricket’s growth or ILT20’s drive to become a worldwide cricketing phenomenon, one thing is certain: cricket fans are in for an exciting showdown. As the leagues continue to grow and evolve, the rivalry between these two leagues — and their broadcasters — will only get more intense.
