SA20 auction delivers blockbuster deals and a glimpse of the future

Photo: SA 20

The Betway SA20 Season 5 Player Auction delivered a compelling mix of established international stars, proven Proteas and highly rated young talent as all six franchises completed their squads in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The biggest surprise came from the bidding battle for 18 year old Jason Rowles, whose services eventually went to Joburg Super Kings for R2.9 million, the highest price of the auction.

The Under 23 prospect attracted intense interest from JSK and MI Cape Town, highlighting the growing value franchises are placing on South Africa’s emerging talent.

Rowles’ rise also underlined one of the league’s central ambitions: creating a pathway from domestic cricket into the highest level of T20 competition.

“Jason Rowles was the highlight of the day for me,” SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said. “Seeing an 18 year old spark the biggest bidding battle of the day tells you how much the franchises believe in the next generation.”

While youth commanded plenty of attention, experience remained a major theme.

Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis was secured by Joburg Super Kings for R2.7 million after a bidding contest with MI Cape Town. The 42 year old will return to the Wanderers for a fifth consecutive SA20 season.

JSK also added West Indies T20 great Kieron Pollard for R1.5 million, bringing considerable experience, power hitting and tournament pedigree to their squad. Jamie Overton was subsequently confirmed as the franchise’s Wildcard player.

MI Cape Town made two significant acquisitions, signing Proteas all rounder Wiaan Mulder for R2.6 million and West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer for R1.5 million.

The Cape franchise also brought New Zealand fast bowling great Trent Boult back into their squad, while 21 year old Oliver Whitehead was added to strengthen their seam attack.

Pretoria Capitals secured former Proteas top order batter Rassie van der Dussen for R500,000 as they attempt to go one better after finishing runners up to Sunrisers Eastern Cape last season.

They will also welcome Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma, who returns for a third SA20 campaign after playing a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s first two championship victories.

Sunrisers completed their 19 player squad with Proteas left arm seamer Nandre Burger and England all rounder Craig Overton. Their bowling attack now includes Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Lutho Sipamla.

The auction also reflected the league’s growing international footprint, with Joburg Super Kings adding USA international Andries Gous and Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani.

“It’s also really pleasing to see so many Proteas players being picked up today,” Smith said. “A strong League and a strong national team go hand in hand, and today was a good example of that.”

With all six squads now confirmed, attention turns to Season 5.

The campaign begins on Sunday, 17 January 2027, when defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape host Pretoria Capitals at St George’s Park in Gqeberha in a repeat of last season’s final.