Spring brings fresh energy as new cricket season is launched at Wanderers

THE FIRST days of spring are bringing not only a renewed sense of energy but also the official launch of the 2025 domestic cricket season, which will get under way at the end of September.

And ahead of the new season, an atmosphere of excitement filled the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg as Cricket South Africa (CSA) officially unveiled the upcoming season. Players, fans, coaches, and administrators came together to celebrate what promises to be another enthralling summer of cricket across both the men’s and women’s games.

CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki said the launch marked the beginning of a packed calendar. “We’re excited to be kick-starting the new domestic season with a jam-packed summer of cricket expected. Our domestic structures remain the backbone of professional cricket in South Africa, and we’re excited to see how the various tournaments unfold over the upcoming season.

"Good luck to all the players, coaches and unions involved across the men’s and women’s games,” Moseki said.

Thrilling themes and beats

The season will once again test the country’s best players as unions battle it out for supremacy across formats. Themes were unveiled for the competitions, with the CSA T20 Challenge featuring a dance competition to add flair and energy, while the 1-Day Cup will carry the distinctly South African theme of a traditional braai.

The launch was not only about speeches. There were lively activations including KFC Mini Cricket, a bowlathon, and a range-hitting contest between professional men’s and women’s players, giving fans a taste of the fierce rivalries that will soon heat up on the field.

CSA Executive of Domestic Cricket, Edward Khoza, said players and fans alike have plenty to anticipate. “It’s going to be another exciting season of domestic cricket. The various competitions will provide cricket fans with plenty of opportunities to see the country’s best players and Proteas of the future.

"The off-season has been long, but it has been productive, and we’re looking forward to having the cricket season back.”

The men’s Division 1 and Division 2 4-Day Domestic Series begins on September 25, setting the tone for the season. The action then shifts to the T20 Challenge from the end of October, leading up to the much-anticipated Betway SA20 starting on Boxing Day.

After a handful of red-ball clashes around Christmas, the 4-Day Series will conclude at the end of February. The 1-Day Cup will wrap up the season, with its final scheduled for March 29.

Women’s cricket will also take centre stage, with the Hollywoodbets Pro Series building on a successful debut season. The DP World Lions and Hollywoodbets Dolphins will open the Pro50 campaign at the Wanderers on October 4, followed by the Pro20 clash on October 5.

Hollywoodbets’ new two-year commitment is expected to bring fresh energy and greater visibility to the women’s game. The series will break in mid-December before resuming in February and will conclude with the Pro20 final on March 13 and the Pro50 final two days later on March 15.

With spring now in full bloom and the promise of fierce competition ahead cricket fans can look forward to a summer packed with action, rivalries, and unforgettable moments both on and off the field.