The fifth season of the Betway SA20 cricket tournament is set to kick off in January, with all eight teams having finalized their squads. The teams participated in an auction in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where they bid for players to strengthen their lineups. The Joburg Super Kings made the biggest splash, spending R8.975 million to acquire six new players.
The most expensive player in the auction was Jason Rowles, who was bought by the Joburg Super Kings for R2.9 million. Rowles, just 18 years old, was part of the Schools SA20 junior player development program last season. The Joburg Super Kings also acquired former captain Faf du Plessis for R2.7 million, West Indies player Kieron Pollard for R1.5 million, and United States wicketkeeper Andries Gous for R1 million.
Other notable acquisitions include Wiaan Mulder, who was bought by MI Cape Town for R2.6 million, and Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult, who were each acquired by MI Cape Town for R1.5 million. Pretoria Capitals, who reached the final last season, bolstered their squad with Rassie van der Dussen for R500,000, and Temba Bavuma, Josh Breed, Ackeem Auguste, and Keemo Paul for R200,000 each.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the defending champions, strengthened their team with Craig Overton for R1.5 million and Nandre Burger for R500,000. Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals did not participate in the auction, having already completed their squads by retaining most of their players from last season.
The fifth season of the SA20 will begin on January 17, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape facing Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Durban's Super Giants will open their campaign against Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park in Centurion on January 19.
The squads for all teams have been finalized, with some notable inclusions. Durban's Super Giants have a strong lineup, including Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Sunil Narine. The team's full squad consists of Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Kwena Maphaka, Gerald Coetzee, David Bedingham, Marques Ackerman, Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane, Tony de Zorzi, Evan Jones, Daryn Dupavillon, Simon Harmer, Kyle Simmonds, Sunil Narine, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Devon Conway, and Kane Williamson.
With the squads finalized, teams are now preparing for the upcoming season. The SA20 has become a popular tournament, attracting top players from around the world. The fifth season promises to be exciting, with strong teams and talented players competing for the championship.
Key points
- The Joburg Super Kings spent the most money in the auction, acquiring six new players for R8.975 million.
- The fifth season of the SA20 will begin on January 17, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape facing Pretoria Capitals.
- Durban's Super Giants have a strong lineup, including Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Sunil Narine.
