The SA20 has unveiled the fixture list for its fifth season, with defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape set to launch their title defence against Pretoria Capitals in a repeat of last season's final.
The 2027 tournament will run from 17 January to 21 February, with the opening match taking place at St George's Park in Gqeberha and the final scheduled for Newlands in Cape Town.
Champions begin SA20 title defence in Gqeberha
Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals will renew their rivalry in the tournament opener after meeting in the 2026 final.
The playoff schedule will see Boland Park host its first-ever SA20 knockout match when it stages Qualifier 1 on 16 February.
The Wanderers will host both the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, while Newlands will once again stage the championship decider.
League commissioner Graeme Smith welcomed the decision to reward Paarl supporters with a playoff fixture.
"The Paarl fans have been some of the most passionate supporters of the league, so I'm excited that we are finally able to give them a playoff in the form of Qualifier 1," Smith said.
Busy start to South Africa's cricket calendar
The SA20 season will begin just two days after South Africa's three-match ODI series against England is due to conclude, creating a packed schedule for players involved in both competitions.
Fans can also look forward to four double-header Saturdays during the league phase.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape remain the competition's most successful franchise, having lifted the trophy in 2023, 2024 and 2026, while also reaching the 2025 final.
MI Cape Town claimed the title in 2025, with Pretoria Capitals finishing as runners-up in both 2023 and 2026.
Durban's Super Giants have reached the playoffs only once, during their run in 2024, while Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals are still searching for their first appearance in an SA20 final.
