SA20 and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are thrilled to announce the launch of Schools SA20, an innovative national competition aimed at discovering and nurturing cricket talent among youth, both girls and boys, across South Africa. This groundbreaking initiative will take place from September 2024 to March 2025, uniting schools from all 16 provinces in a quest for the prestigious title of Schools SA20 champions.
With an impressive participation of over 370 boys' teams and more than 200 girls' teams, Schools SA20 anticipates more than 1,000 matches throughout the season. The introduction of a dedicated girls’ competition marks a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s cricket in South Africa, aligning with CSA's commitment to promoting gender equality in the sport. Notably, this competition will prepare the U19 Girls team for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s World Cup scheduled in Malaysia for 2025.
Competition Structure:
The Schools SA20 will unfold in three critical phases:
- Phase 1: Provincial Competitions (September-November 2024)
- Phase 2: Regional Playoffs (January-February 2025)
- Phase 3: National Finals (March 13-15, 2025)
Graeme Smith, the SA20 League Commissioner, expressed his enthusiasm about the competition's potential to shape the future of cricket in South Africa. "Schools SA20 is more than just a competition; it serves as a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents," Smith remarked. He emphasised that many current Protea Men and Women stars initiated their journeys at the school level, setting the stage for the emergence of the next teenage cricket sensation.
The collaboration between SA20 and CSA aims to strengthen the foundation for women's cricket. Their joint efforts include investing in U19 Girls' Camps and leveraging government initiatives to further professionalise the women’s game, ultimately contributing to the success of future Proteas Women.
Young athletes like Kagiso Rabada, Laura Wolvaardt, and others who started their cricket careers in schools exemplify the inspiration that Schools SA20 aims to provide for budding cricketers. Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki reflected on the competition's significance, stating that it would continue to nurture young talent and provide exposure on a national stage, paving the way for future stars in the sport.
Global Exposure: The Schools SA20 will gain invaluable exposure through a partnership with SuperSport Schools, ensuring that over 200 matches will be live-streamed and broadcast across various media platforms, connecting fans with the future stars of South African cricket.
With Schools SA20, SA20 and CSA are not only investing in the next generation of cricketers but also setting the foundation for the continuous growth and development of the sport in South Africa. This initiative promises to be a pivotal moment in the pursuit of cricketing excellence nationally.