Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull are set to be some of the international talents available in the upcoming SA20 auction. These overseas players are expected to draw attention from franchises looking to strengthen their squads with high-quality pace options. As the auction approaches, teams will be keen to secure the services of these standout bowlers, each bringing their unique skills and experience to the table. The competition for these promising overseas fast bowlers is expected to be fierce.
The Auction of SA20:
The SA20 2025 auction is scheduled for October 1, with the tournament set to kick off on January 9. This timing coincides with other prominent leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League, the UAE’s ILT20, and New Zealand’s Super Smash. As these competitions overlap, teams will face challenges in managing player commitments and strategies across the different formats and leagues.
A total of nearly 200 players, including 115 from South Africa, have been shortlisted for the upcoming SA20 auction. However, with only 13 available slots across the six franchises, competition is expected to be intense. Teams will need to be strategic in their selections, making tough decisions to secure the right talent for their squads.
The Paarl Royals lead the way with the largest auction budget of R11.95 million. Following them are MI Cape Town with R8.275 million and the Pretoria Capitals with R4.575 million. The Joburg Super Kings have R3.925 million, while the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who are back-to-back champions, possess R2.845 million. Lastly, Durban’s Super Giants have R2.35 million left to spend in the upcoming auction.
The International Players Shortlisted for SA20:
Among the international players on the shortlist are New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Afghanistan’s wrist-spinner Qais Ahmad. These talented athletes are expected to draw significant interest in the upcoming auction, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. Their diverse skills and experience make them valuable assets for any franchise looking to strengthen their squads in the upcoming tournament.
Josh Hazlewood Hails Rohit Sharma as the Master of Fast Bowling with Flawless Technique
The former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith said, “ Some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit have already signed up for season 3 and I am looking forward to see how the teams finalise their squads from this competitive auction list of players.”
Reeza Hendricks, recently released by the Super Kings, stands out as one of the most prominent South African players on the shortlist. He is joined by fellow opener Tony de Zorzi, both of whom are expected to attract significant attention during the upcoming auction.
Each squad must consist of 19 players, ensuring a minimum of ten South Africans. Additionally, teams can include up to seven international players, along with one rookie and one wildcard player. This structure aims to promote local talent while also allowing teams to bring in international expertise to enhance their performance.
Except for the Super Kings, all franchises have revealed their wildcard selections. Among these, the Paarl Royals made headlines by choosing former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. After retiring from Indian and international cricket in June, Karthik will be the first Indian to participate in the SA20. The Super Kings have until December 30 to finalize their wildcard player.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
