The fourth edition of South Africa's premier T20 league, SA20, is ready to get underway on December 26, ushering in another action-packed summer of franchise cricket. Since its inception in 2022, the tournament
has quickly established itself as a major attraction on the global T20 circuit, standing shoulder to shoulder with competitions such as the IPL and the Big Bash League.
The 2025-26 season has been brought forward to accommodate the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for February in India and Sri Lanka. As has been the case since the league's launch, six franchises-each backed by IPL ownership-will compete for the title, featuring a blend of international stars and South Africa's leading domestic performers.
Defending champions MI Cape Town will kick off the season against Durban's Super Giants, with the final set to be played on January 25. Leadership remains a major talking point ahead of Season 4, with some teams opting for continuity while others turn to fresh faces in search of change.
MI Cape Town - Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan continues as the face of MI Cape Town's leadership group. After captaining the side in the inaugural season and missing the second due to injury, the Afghan all-rounder returned in Season 3 to guide the team to their maiden SA20 title. He also delivered with the ball, claiming 12 wickets at a superb economy rate of seven.
Joburg Super Kings - Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis remains at the helm of Joburg Super Kings for a fourth straight season. One of the most experienced leaders in the league, the 41-year-old has shifted his focus away from the IPL to concentrate on global T20 leagues. His association with the Super Kings brand continues across SA20 and Major League Cricket.
Paarl Royals - David Miller
David Miller will lead Paarl Royals for the fourth consecutive year. Under his captaincy, the Royals have reached the playoffs in every season so far but are yet to make a final. The seasoned finisher has also been a key contributor with the bat, scoring over 700 runs for the franchise.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape - Tristan Stubbs
Sunrisers Eastern Cape begin a new era with Tristan Stubbs taking charge. With former captain Aiden Markram moving to Durban's Super Giants, the young batter steps into a role previously held by a two-time title-winning leader.
Pretoria Capitals - Keshav Maharaj
After missing the playoffs in the last two seasons, Pretoria Capitals have turned to Keshav Maharaj. The left-arm spinner was the franchise's first pick at the auction, underlining their faith in his leadership.
Durban's Super Giants - Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram takes over as captain of Durban's Super Giants after leaving Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The Proteas star brings proven leadership pedigree and will be tasked with steering DSG to their first SA20 final.
With a mix of proven veterans and emerging leaders, SA20 Season 4 promises compelling battles not just between teams, but also among captains shaping their sides' fortunes.





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