Sports
SA20 2025 Set to Run Without Disrupting Proteas Test Calendar

As South Africa prepares for the fourth season of the SA20, which kicks off on December 26, 2025, the question of how it will affect the Proteas Test schedule has been circulating. The simple answer? There is no impact.
Unlike previous years, there are no Test matches scheduled for the traditional end-of-year period in 2025, meaning the Proteas’ Test calendar will not clash with the SA20 tournament.
This marks a notable shift for South African cricket. In the past, the festive period often saw South Africa engaged in critical Test series. However, in 2025, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has decided not to schedule any Test matches at the end of the year. This strategic move allows the SA20 to run from December 26, 2025, to January 26, 2026, without interfering with the national team’s Test commitments.
The situation was quite different in February 2024, when a scheduling clash between the SA20 and the Proteas’ Test team arose. This forced CSA to make marquee players available for the T20 competition, leaving the Test team severely understrength and inexperienced for their two-match series against New Zealand. The outcome was a 2-0 defeat, which drew widespread criticism from international pundits and fans alike.
Despite the loss, CSA’s financial strategy remains clear—prioritize the SA20, the tournament that generates significant revenue for the board. With the massive financial backing of cricket’s “Big Three” — Cricket Australia (CA), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) — CSA’s position is a pragmatic one.
While the Proteas’ Test team competes on the global stage, their financial reach is limited compared to the “Big Three.” South Africa’s Test cricket fixtures are often overshadowed by the revenue generated from the SA20, which attracts larger crowds and offers significant sponsorship opportunities.
Ticket prices for both the SA20 and Test matches are similar, with seats for the SA20 starting at R85, and Test match tickets beginning at R100. However, the reality is that SA20 matches are consistently sold out, while Test matches struggle to fill the stands, regardless of the venue.
The lack of Test cricket over the festive period in 2025 paints a concerning picture for the future of the format in South Africa. While the SA20’s success is undeniable, it raises the question: how will Test cricket fare in the long run, particularly if the imbalance between T20 and Test match priorities continues?
As for the immediate future, the SA20 will continue to dominate South African cricket’s calendar. The next tournament in 2027 will revert to its traditional start date of January 9, but it remains clear that the festive period in South Africa will increasingly be synonymous with T20 cricket rather than Test matches.
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