India, June 13 -- Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has termed the synergy between SA20 and IPL as a big factor in the success of the Protean league, which he said brought the crowd back to stadiums in his country.

The SA20 has evoked enthusiastic support from fans across the nation in its previous four editions, and Cricket South Africa is hoping for an encore during season five later this year.

"South Africa has been desperate for cricket. The world went through a pandemic, and sport was definitely taken away from South Africa. Local sport took a hit in South Africa. I think (SA20 Commissioner) Graeme Smith and the league have given the sport back to the country," Steyn said during a select media interaction organised by SA2...