Two-time SA20 champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, will kick off their title defence at home, with St George's Park in Gqeberha hosting the opening match of the new season. The venue will also stage the first qualifier at the end of the 30-match league phase, determining which team will advance directly to the final, scheduled to be held at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium.
The Wanderers, South Africa's largest cricket venue with a capacity of over 30,000, hosted the inaugural SA20 final and will once again be the site for this season's final. This shift back to Johannesburg from Newlands, which hosted the second season's final, may be driven by the larger seating capacity.
SuperSport Park in Centurion will host both the eliminator and the second qualifier on consecutive days, marking the second time the playoffs will take place in Centurion. Kingsmead in Durban and Boland Park in Paarl remain the only venues yet to host any marquee matches in the tournament.
The SA20 season is set to begin on January 9, with Sunrisers facing off against MI Cape Town. The tournament will follow the same format as the previous season, with each team playing every other team both home and away before the playoffs. The total number of matches remains at 34.
"We're thrilled to start the season in Gqeberha with our defending champions and look forward to an action-packed summer of cricket. As we welcome international talent to the roaring pool of local stars, we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for both players and fans alike," said Graeme Smith, SA20 league commissioner, in a statement.
The SA20 squads are nearly complete, with each of the six teams having secured between 14 and 17 players. The remaining slots, up to a maximum of 19, will be filled through an auction on October 1.