Graeme Smith: SA20 Unfazed by BBL’s Push to Become Second-Biggest League

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith has confidently dismissed any threat from the Big Bash League (BBL) as it eyes the title of the world’s second-biggest T20 league behind the IPL. With the SA20 set to enter its fourth season this December, Smith says the South African league is well-positioned to continue dominating the southern hemisphere's cricketing calendar.

Backed by IPL ownership across all six franchises and boasting the second-highest salary cap after the IPL—R41 million (US$2.31 million)—the SA20 sees itself as a clear frontrunner outside of India. A marquee auction is scheduled for September 9 in Johannesburg, with player registration closing on August 18.

“When we started, we were built up against the ILT20 and Big Bash, and we set ourselves big ambitions upfront,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo. “In the southern hemisphere window, we want to dominate and be the biggest league outside the IPL. Three years in, we've set the standard, and every decision we make is about maintaining that standard.”

Smith’s remarks follow comments by Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, who recently said CA would "unashamedly" pursue the No. 2 spot globally by exploring BBL privatisation. Greenberg admitted the IPL remains out of reach due to its scale, but emphasised that increased player availability and higher salaries would be key to elevating the BBL's stature—with private investment the next logical step.

The BBL’s plans, however, come with scheduling conflicts. Unlike the England-based Hundred, which doesn’t overlap with the SA20, the BBL runs concurrently. That could lead to battles over player availability and league status. But Smith remains confident, citing full access to South Africa's national and domestic talent—even at the expense of international commitments.

Last year, South Africa fielded an understrength Test side for a tour of New Zealand to ensure their top players were available for SA20. While the move sparked criticism, the country's triumph in the World Test Championship final since then has, according to Smith, vindicated the decision.

“Everyone was worried we were going to destroy Test cricket, but we've seen our national team go on to win the WTC final,” Smith said. “We've played our role in the ecosystem. We've brought energy back to South African cricket, drawn in new fans, and reinvigorated the sport locally.”

The SA20 has also drawn significant international interest. Despite the 2026 Ashes limiting England's Test player participation this season, Smith expects a strong English presence again. Jos Buttler, who previously played for Paarl Royals, has already been pre-signed by Durban’s Super Giants.

“In the first two seasons we saw a lot of England’s white-ball players come through. This year, with the Ashes on, we may not see as many Test players, but guys like Jos Buttler will still be there,” Smith said.

Franchises were allowed up to six retentions or pre-signed players, and only 13 of the 36 confirmed slots have gone to South African players. Smith believes this will make for an exciting and competitive auction.

“I expected a lot more top South African players to pre-sign, but that didn’t happen,” he said. “From our perspective, it’s set up a very exciting auction with a very big purse.”

The upcoming season will be played over the festive period, with no home Tests scheduled in South Africa. Matches will avoid using new drop-in pitches being developed for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Smith acknowledged concerns over pitch quality last season but expressed optimism about improvements.

“The pitches last year didn’t play as well as we would have liked,” he said. “We’re working with Cricket South Africa to upgrade stadiums, lights, and playing surfaces. It’s a big project behind the scenes.”

The SA20 2026 season begins on Boxing Day, with the player auction taking place on September 9.