Graeme Smith Ahead Of SA20 Season 4: ‘Passion And Energy Of Indian Fans Encourage Us…’ | Cricket News

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SA20 India Day 2025 in Mumbai united Graeme Smith, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Tom Moody, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, and JioStar, boosting SA20’s Indian fandom ahead of Season 4.

South Africa stars on the SA20 India Day event

SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 league, continues to witness a surge in fandom and affinity in India, a testament to the resounding success of ‘SA20 India Day 2025’ held in Mumbai. The event marked a key milestone within the League’s growing reference to the subcontinent and a launchpad to Season 4 starting December 26 – January 25, 2026.

Hosted on the Museum of Solutions (MuSo), the celebration brought together League Commissioner Graeme Smith, South African legends and current stars Faf du Plessis (Joburg Super Kings), David Miller (Paarl Royals), Tom Moody (Durban’s Super Giants), Hashim Amla (MI Cape Town), and South African legend Mark Boucher.

Adding to the celebration, Tristan Stubbs (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Adrian Birrell (Head Coach, Sunrisers Eastern Cape), and Sourav Ganguly (Head Coach, Pretoria Capitals) joined through special video messages, extending their support ahead of Season 4. The event also featured franchise representatives and official broadcasters JioStar, coming together to have a good time the League’s growth.

Over its first three seasons, SA20 has firmly established itself as the largest T20 league outside India, powered by a mix of world-class international stars comparable to Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Trent Boult, playing alongside emerging South African talent like Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Kwena Maphaka, Ryan Rickelton, and powerful franchise and broadcast support. Season 3 marked a defining 12 months of growth with a 70% rise in sold-out matches, including a 3rd consecutive sold-out Final, and a 37% surge in global television viewership spanning India, the UK, the US, and Pan-African markets.

Graeme Smith, League Commissioner, SA20, said: “India has been at the center of SA20’s journey from the beginning. The support of the IPL-owned teams and our partnership with JioStar has been vital. The eagerness and energy of Indian fans encourage us every season, and their connection has played an enormous role within the league’s growth. As we head into Season 4, we’re excited to strengthen that bond and proceed delivering a league that resonates across South Africa and the subcontinent.”

Faf du Plessis, Captain, Joburg Super Kings, added: “As players, we will feel the excitement around SA20 — not only back home, but here in India too. It’s probably the greatest T20 leagues on the earth — competitive, entertaining, and truly global. Seeing fans in India follow the matches, know the franchises, and connect with our teams is de facto special. It speaks volumes about what this league has inbuilt such a short while.”

David Miller, Paarl Royals batter, said: “SA20 has change into a league fans can genuinely call their very own. Whether you’re in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Mumbai, you see people cheering for his or her teams, sharing highlights, and fascinating with players. That reference to the fans is the league’s biggest win — it’s what makes cricket a real celebration between nations.”

Tom Moody, Global Director of Cricket, Durban’s Super Giants, said: “SA20 has truly transformed right into a league that connects players, fans, and franchises across borders. Every season, the standard of cricket continues to rise, and so does the eagerness surrounding it. What makes SA20 special is its ability to bring together South Africa’s homegrown spirit with the worldwide cricket community — and the growing support from India is adding much more energy to that story.”

Hashim Amla, MI Cape Town Coach, said: “Beyond the thrill and fandom, SA20 can be about creating pathways, for young players to learn, adapt, and compete at the very best level. The standard of cricket and exposure this platform provides is phenomenal. You may already see the way it’s shaping the following generation of South African talent. The League has truly change into a bridge between grassroots potential and global stardom.”

Mark Boucher, South African legend, said: “Indian and South African cricket have all the time shared a special bond; of respect, rivalry, and a deep love for the sport. SA20 carries that spirit forward, uniting the 2 cultures to create something truly special.”

‘SA20 India Day 2025’ also witnessed JioStar unveil its promo for Season 4 – a power-packed visual celebrating and capturing the spirit of SA20’s dynamic gameplay and passionate fan energy, setting the tone for an electrifying recent season.

With Season 4 on the horizon, SA20 is ready to further solidify its reference to India. Along with the support of its franchises, broadcasters, partners, the League stays committed to creating it more appealing, exciting, and incredible, staying true to its ethos of high-quality cricket and unmatched entertainment.

Catch all of the motion from the SA20 Season 4 which gets underway from December 26, 2025 – January 25, 2026, LIVE & Exclusive on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network in India.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More

News cricket Graeme Smith Ahead Of SA20 Season 4: ‘Passion And Energy Of Indian Fans Encourage Us…’
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