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It's one of Australia's longest and most prominent modern sporting droughts, and it doesn't sit well with two former players.
South Australia won its last Sheffield Shield title in the 1995/96 season — almost three decades ago.
Former leg spinner Peter McIntyre has great memories of that victory, in which he played a vital role, but the lack of success since then is troubling to him.
Peter McIntyre was at the crease when SA held on to draw the 1995/96 final, and claim the Shield. (Supplied: South Australian Cricket Association)
"I use the term 'unacceptable' — you can't go nearly 30 years without winning the Shield. It's alarming," he said.
"We need to win a Shield and we need to win one soon."
Top order batsman Greg Blewett, who served Australia with distinction, said he was astounded his beloved state side had not claimed the Shield since the 1990s.
"For us to be so long without winning a title — there's no excuses really," he said.
Greg Blewett scored a defiant 72 in the second innings. (ABC News: Justin Hewitson)
McIntyre and Blewett were key contributors in the state's last Shield-winning season — a summer in which SA finished at the top of table and secured hosting rights for the 1996 final.
While SA only needed to draw the game to claim the silverware, Western Australia was dominant across the five days, and appeared to be on track for triumph.
But after Blewett scored a defiant second innings half century, McIntyre and fellow SA tailender Shane George combined for a nail-biting last-wicket partnership against WA's highly potent bowling attack.
Jubilant fans flooded onto Adelaide Oval at the end of the match. (Supplied: South Australian Cricket Association)
As news spread of potential glory, thousands of fans rushed to Adelaide Oval and jubilantly invaded the pitch when McIntyre blocked the final ball of the game.
Test players Darren Lehmann and Jason Gillespie were also part of the victorious side.
"The bond and connection back then when we won it was incredible, you never lose that," McIntyre recalled.
"Came down to the wire, great memories and I still can't believe that was the last one we've won," Blewett reminisced.
South Australia has since come close to winning, twice making the final under coach Jamie Siddons — who was captain when SA last won — before falling to Victoria each time.
The team was also a contender during the coaching reign of Darren Berry, and some pundits have suggested he was axed prematurely.
But in a six-team competition, the lack of success is damning.
SA captain Jamie Siddons lifts the Sheffield Shield at Adelaide Oval. (Supplied: South Australian Cricket Association)
Decorated former national player Mike Hussey was called in to carry out a comprehensive review four years ago, and made a raft of recommendations to improve cricket in SA.
His report looked at perceptions of a culture of mediocrity and made 13 key findings, including the need for improved coaching at all levels, better player development and a stronger player recruitment strategy.
Some changes have been made, but the reign of Jason Gillespie as coach ended in further failure when he quit at the end of last season to coach Pakistan.
So what do McIntyre and Blewett think is wrong with South Australian cricket?
McIntyre is currently an independent member on a strategic committee set up by the SA Cricket Association to drive higher standards.
Tim Nielsen and Darren Lehmann after the 1995/96 triumph. (Supplied: South Australian Cricket Association)
The association has already implemented a two-division competition in the top level of grade cricket, which is seeing better results.
He believes junior development and a lack of access to good cricket grounds, particularly at private schools, are other challenges.
While cultivating local talent is one thing, both McIntyre and Blewett believe it needs to be accompanied by a successful recruitment drive.
"You need to have a combination of both. All sports do it now — AFL draft, basketball — they all bring players from interstate to make sure that they're topping up with certain needs," McIntyre said.
Peter McIntyre is frustrated with South Australia's lack of success in the Sheffield Shield. (ABC News: Matthew Smith)
Recruitment in recent seasons has had both successes and failures, with batsmen Jake Fraser-McGurk and Nathan McSweeney hitting the mark.
Batsmen Jason Sangha and Mackenzie Harvey have also been added for the upcoming season.
But Blewett remains pessimistic about the prospects.
"If some of those guys in the top four or five don't have stand-out seasons, I can't see us being successful," he said.
The moment South Australia clinched its last Sheffield Shield title. (Supplied: South Australian Cricket Association)
Much has been put down to the loss of form for opener Henry Hunt, once spoken of as a future Australian player.
"He's always had this bright talent surrounding him, but at 27 years of age he should be playing his best cricket," Blewett said.
"He's probably gone backwards. We need Henry Hunt to really have a good season."
As well as finding his best form, Hunt will have to show he has recovered from the horrific facial injury he suffered in a one-day match last season.
McIntyre also believes the association can't keep turning over coaches, and has backed the appointment of former Australian Test fast bowler Ryan Harris.
Regardless of that preferment, McIntyre and Blewett are in fundamental agreement about one thing.
They both want SA's Nathan McSweeney to be the captain holding up the Sheffield Shield at the end of the summer.