Major boost for SA20 as Indian broadcaster secured

Cricket South Africa's premier competition, the SA20, received a timely boost on Wednesday when it was announced that Indian broadcaster, Viacom18 Sports, had signed a 10-year partnership to televise all matches in India exclusively. 

"SA20 and Viacom18 will work closely to grow and engage cricket fans in India, as South Africa's premier T20 League grows its network in the market," a statement sent to media confirmed. 

"South Africa's strong cricket roots, domestic set-up and popularity of its players with Indian fans will enable SA20 to stand out among other international T20 leagues. South Africa and India have a long and storied cricket relationship that this partnership will further strengthen while bringing high-quality T20 action to Indian fans."

??BREAKING NEWS ??We’re thrilled to announce that Viacom18 Sports has acquired the broadcast rights for the #SA20 League. A big welcome to @viacom18 and @Sports18, our Official Broadcast Partner in India: https://t.co/QxThjcbToQ pic.twitter.com/pIF1uTIe7K

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SA20 commissioner and former Proteas captain Graeme Smith called Viacom18 the "perfect partner to take the SA20 into the homes of the passionate and cricket-loving Indian market".

"This long-term partnership between the SA20 and Viacom18 as our official Indian broadcaster is a catalyst that supports our ambitions to build the world's second-biggest league," said Smith.

"With six IPL owners expanding their brands in South Africa, Viacom18 are the perfect partner to take the SA20 into the homes of the passionate and cricket-loving Indian market."   

Smith said the deal had many benefits for domestic cricket too. 

"The benefits to