T20 series a hit with fans

CRICKET fans appear to have put the disappointment of the postponed T20 Global League behind them.

Television audiences as well as match attendances are up for the Ram Slam T20 Challenge, and it has caught some cricket bosses by surprise.

“I think the fact that all our national players have been involved has helped generate interest. That’s made a big difference‚” Cricket South Africa commercial manager Clive Eksteen said.

Titans chief executive Jacques Faul concurred: “It’s the national players. People want to see the stars.”

There had been the fear that cricket fans were left cold after the collapse of the T20GL‚ but they appear to have warmed to its hastily arranged replacement that has been beset by inclement weather.

“Last year, we had a television peak audience figure of 110 000 and this year it’s up to 166 000‚” Eksteen said.

Faul said SuperSport Park registered its highest peak audience figure – 226 000 – when the Titans hosted the Knights.

Apart from a rising TV audience‚ more fans are bursting through the turnstiles.

“We’ve seen a 33% spike in our attendances. That’s massive‚” Faul said.

With more eyes trained on the action‚ other spin-offs were not hard to come by.

“We’ve added four sponsors in the last month‚” Faul said. “It’s been incredible, this has well exceeded our expectations.”

Eksteen believes despite setbacks over the last few years‚ cricket’s support base has remained strong and is growing.

“I think what has also helped is the increased R2-million prize money for a onehanded catch. That has contributed to the excitement.”