An array of new features awaits cricket enthusiasts as the highly anticipated Betway SA20 Season 2 gears up to launch a scintillating summer spectacle. Set to commence on January 10, 2024, the tournament boasts an action-packed schedule of 34 matches, unveiling a fresh playoff structure and revamped mid-week match timings.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023: Prepare for the return of Betway SA20, as it promises to deliver another sensational season of world-class cricket and entertainment in its highly awaited Season 2. The cricketing extravaganza will showcase the finest talent from South Africa alongside top-notch international cricketers across 34 thrilling encounters at six esteemed venues across the nation. The journey will commence on Wednesday, January 10, culminating in an electrifying Final showdown on Saturday, February 10.

The opening week will witness each team hosting a home match, fueling the intense rivalries and captivating city-based competitions among the six franchises affiliated with the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The reigning champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, will ignite the season with a clash against Joburg Super Kings (JSK) at St George's Park on January 10, marking the tournament's curtain-raiser.

Following the opening match in Gqeberha, the excitement will surge as Durban's Super Giants (DSG) lock horns with MI Cape Town in a coastal derby at Kingsmead on January 11. Subsequently, on January 12, Paarl Royals and the previous season's runners-up, Pretoria Capitals, will engage in a gripping encounter at Boland Park.

The Wanderers stadium will set the stage for a blockbuster opening weekend as JSK faces MI Cape Town on January 13 at 1:30 PM, followed by a clash between Sunrisers and DSG at St George's Park at 5:30 PM.

The action-packed momentum will then shift to the capital city, where Pretoria Capitals will welcome Paarl Royals to Centurion for a brand-new Sunday kickoff at 3:30 PM.

The Newlands stadium will witness MI Cape Town hosting their inaugural home match on January 16 against the reigning champions, Sunrisers.

In a strategic move, Season 2 introduces an innovative playoff structure, featuring Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 matches, leading up to the grand Final. Qualifier 1 will showcase the top two teams battling it out, followed by the Eliminator between the third and fourth-ranked teams. The loser of Qualifier 1 and the victor of the Eliminator will face off in Qualifier 2, vying for a spot in the Final against the winner of Qualifier 1.

Adding to the excitement, mid-week matches have been rescheduled to commence at 5:30 PM, allowing fans to indulge in a post-work and post-school cricketing feast during weekdays.

The exhilarating fixture announcement took place in Johannesburg, attended by key stakeholders, media representatives, players from the franchise teams, and Betway SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith. Anticipation is mounting as the countdown continues toward the January 10 kick-off.

Graeme Smith, the League Commissioner, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "With the Season 2 auction around the corner, the momentum is building and we are thrilled to announce these fixtures. We have a jam-packed opening week of matches which will captivate fans around the country."

The riveting matches will once again be broadcast live across seven territories through SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa, Viacom 18 in India, Sky Sports in the UK, Fox Sports in Australasia, Etisalat in the UAE, and globally via ICC TV. Cricket enthusiasts can also stay engaged with the action through Betway SA20's social media channels, featuring live updates and comprehensive coverage of all 34 matches.

In South Africa, SA20 Season 1 reigned as the most-watched sports event on average on SuperSport Premium during its run, garnering a cumulative viewership of 8.96 million.

India, a pivotal market due to its six IPL-linked local franchises, recorded an astounding 5 billion viewing time minutes, reaching 131 million individuals and amassing 104 million digital video views.

All six franchises have unveiled their preliminary squads and will finalize their 19-player rosters at the auction scheduled for September 27.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]