MI Cape Town will face Paarl Royals in SA 20 opening match, Final on February 11

Cricket South Africa announced the schedule of the inaugural SA 20 league on Tuesday.  MI Cape Town will host Paarl Royals in the first match of the SA 20 league on January 10, 2023, with the final taking place on February 11 at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium.

The tournament will be played in six different venues across the country. IPL team owners own every franchise in this league. Each team will play five home games and five away games.

The league will have a one-week international break as South Africa will face England in a three-match One-Day International series from January 25 to February 1. This series is part of the World Cup ODI Super League and is crucial to South Africa's chances of qualifying directly for the 2023 ODI World Cup. SuperSport will broadcast the tournament in South Africa, and Viacom Sports 18 will broadcast it in India.

"Releasing fixtures for the opening season is a milestone for us at SA 20. It's all getting very real, we certainly can't wait to watch the world's best go head to head. Fans can look forward to the blockbuster schedule kicking off with the popular local Derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals on 10 January. Fans will be able to watch the best local and international T20 stars live in action at prime viewing Times for the afternoon and evening matches. This is also an ideal broadcasting slot ensuring viewers around the world can also keep up with the enthralling entertainment". - Graeme Smith, League Commissioner.

"The Wanderers has hosted many memorable finals throughout the years, we expect a full house in attendance to watch the first-ever SA20 Champions lifting the trophy. We are thankful to have the buy-in from all six franchises to make this season a success and we look forward to making this inaugural season of the SA20 something special for the fans". - Smith added.