Graeme Smith, commissioner of the SA20 league and ex-South Africa skipper, opined on the possible inclusion of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champion, in the South African league. His remarks come after RCB's historic first-ever IPL title triumph and recognize their huge worldwide fan base. The SA20 has already attained great popularity, especially from Indian fans, because of its strong roots with the IPL. This possible expansion would not only be a great advantage to the league but also an enormous victory for RCB's fans globally. The SA20 league is widely regarded as South Africa's equivalent of the IPL, a perception given the fact that all six of the original teams are owned by IPL franchises. Names like Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals have already formed an instant rapport with Indian viewers, registering massive viewership. This success has generated rumors of new franchises being included, with RCB being a hot topic. Smith confessed that with their dedicated and fanatical fans, having an RCB franchise would be 'incredible.' The side also has close past connections to South Africa by means of cricketing greats such as AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, so their possible entry into the league does not seem like an unlikely possibility. Also Read | IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025: 16 Indians Players, 1 Pakistani Captain in Rare Clash Here is what Smith was quoted as saying by News18: “Even when I played for South Africa, it was amazing to see India’s love for the game and how they got behind RCB. I’m sure the celebrations are still continuing after this victory. If we expand in the future, to have an RCB franchise would be incredible. They are one of the strongest franchises in the global game with such a passionate fan base,” Expansion Strategies and High-Value Auctions The future of the SA20 is rosy, with Smith confirming that the league might look at increasing its number of teams after season five. This possible growth is encouraged by the ODI World Cup 2027 to be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, which will further improve the profile of cricket in the region. The league's increased commercial prowess was in full evidence at last month's Season 4 auction, where emerging batting sensation Dewald Brevis emerged as the most costly player in SA20 history. Brevis was bought by Pretoria Capitals for a record R16.5 million, following Aiden Markram's new high of R14 million. Other significant transactions were also part of the auction, with seasoned spinner Imran Tahir, aged 46 now, getting signed with the Super Kings, and England fast bowler legend James Anderson remaining unsold.