Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to dominate the world’s franchise cricket leagues financially and commercially, but South Africa’s T20 league SA20 has also been successful in creating its own identity. This league is in the news not only because of big investment or huge earnings, but also because of the crowd of spectators gathering in the stadiums. The participation of the country’s top cricketers in this tournament, held during December and January, has played a big role in attracting fans to the grounds.

Record viewership gave new identity

According to the data released by SA20, last season, out of total 34 matches, 22 matches, including the final, were completely housefull. During the entire tournament, about 84 percent of the seats in the stadiums remained filled.

The strategy of local coaches and players worked

Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn believes that the reason behind the success of the league is the idea of ​​strengthening the local identity of the franchises. He told that when he was the bowling coach of Sunrisers Eastern Cape last year, the team management had given priority to local coaches and regional players. This created an emotional bond between the team and the local people.

According to Stan, people already knew players like Tristan Stubbs, Jordan Harmon and Otniel Bartman. In such a situation, fans reached the stadium in large numbers to see their favorite local faces on the field.

Other franchises are also adopting the same model

Steyn said that this strategy of Sunrisers Eastern Cape has now reached other teams as well. Franchises like Johannesburg, Durban and MI Cape Town are also focusing on building strong relationships with the local audience. This is the reason why every franchise and every stadium is trying to create a better atmosphere than the last season.

Audience’s hunger for cricket changed the picture

Dale Steyn believes that after the Covid-19 pandemic, South African sports lovers were waiting for a big cricket event for a long time. In such a situation, Graeme Smith and SA20 gave the country a platform which the people welcomed with open heart. According to Steyn, South African cricket fans have been eager to see high-level cricket for a long time and SA20 has fully lived up to their expectations.