SA20 2025 Auction – Players – Teams and Expectations for Season 3. The SA20 2025 auction took place in Cape Town on October 1, setting the stage for the third season of South Africa’s premier T20 cricket league. As the excitement builds for the new season, which is set to kick off on January 9, 2025, this auction attracted attention from cricket enthusiasts around the world. With a focus on balancing local and international talent, the six franchise teams were eager to finalize their squads for the upcoming season. Here’s an in-depth look at the SA20 2025 auction, key players sold, unsold, and the impact these selections will have on the teams.
the SA20 2025 Auction
The SA20 2025 auction brought together 188 players from both South Africa and abroad, with only 13 slots available for the six franchise teams to fill. The competition for these slots was fierce, and the auction, conducted by renowned auctioneer Richard Madley, was a spectacle of excitement and high-stakes bidding. With players divided into categories—batters, wicketkeepers, all-rounders, fast bowlers, and spin bowlers—the teams had the opportunity to fill specific roles in their squads, ensuring a well-rounded selection for the new season.
Key Players and Top Earners at the SA20 2025 Auction
One of the most notable moments of the auction was when Reeza Hendricks, South Africa’s T20 Cricketer of the Year, fetched the highest bid of R4.3 million. This purchase by MI Cape Town solidified their batting lineup with one of the country’s most consistent performers. Hendricks, known for his stylish right-hand batting, was involved in an intense bidding war between MI Cape Town and the Pretoria Capitals, making him the most expensive player of the auction.
Other big earners included Richard Gleeson, the England pacer, who was acquired by the two-time SA20 champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape for R2.3 million. His experience and skill with the ball will be crucial for the defending champions as they look to secure their third consecutive title.
The Pretoria Capitals also made significant additions to their squad, securing Evin Lewis, the West Indies batter, for R1.5 million, and South African uncapped T20 star Marques Ackerman for R800,000. These signings bolstered their batting strength and added depth to their lineup.
Full List of Players Sold at the SA20 2025 Auction
Here is a detailed list of all the players who were sold at the auction:
- Reeza Hendricks – MI Cape Town – R4.30 million
- Richard Gleeson – Sunrisers Eastern Cape – R2.3 million
- Evin Lewis – Pretoria Capitals – R1.5 million
- Marques Ackerman – Pretoria Capitals – R800,000
- Shamar Joseph – Durban’s Super Giants – R425,000
- Colin Ingram – MI Cape Town – R175,000
- Dane Piedt – MI Cape Town – R175,000
- Rubin Hermann – Paarl Royals – R175,000
- Wihan Lubbe – Joburg Super Kings – R175,000
- Evan Jones – Joburg Super Kings – R175,000
- Okuhle Cele – Sunrisers Eastern Cape – R175,000
- Doug Bracewell – Joburg Super Kings – R175,000
- Kyle Simmonds – Pretoria Capitals – R175,000
The Auction Process and Strategy
The auction was conducted in a systematic manner, with players being presented to the franchises in categories. Each team had specific requirements and strategies in mind, focusing on building balanced squads that could compete at the highest level. The auctioneer, Richard Madley, brought his expertise to the event, ensuring a smooth and competitive process. As the former auctioneer of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Madley has been instrumental in shaping the success of player auctions in cricket leagues worldwide.
With only 13 slots available and over 180 registered players, the competition was intense. Each franchise had to make strategic decisions on which players would complement their existing squads, taking into account factors such as batting order, bowling depth, and fielding capabilities. The auction was a reflection of the growing popularity and competitiveness of the SA20 league, as teams sought to secure the best talent available.
The Biggest Purchases and Their Impact
- Reeza Hendricks: As the most expensive player of the auction, Hendricks’ acquisition by MI Cape Town is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance. Known for his consistency at the top of the order, Hendricks brings stability and firepower to MI Cape Town’s batting lineup. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed will be crucial in tight matches.
- Richard Gleeson: The Sunrisers Eastern Cape made a bold move by securing Gleeson, who has been a key performer in various T20 leagues around the world. His pace and ability to take wickets at crucial moments will be invaluable to the Sunrisers as they aim for a third consecutive title.
- Evin Lewis: The hard-hitting West Indian batter was another big purchase, with Pretoria Capitals securing his services. Lewis is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, and his inclusion adds firepower to the Capitals’ lineup. His ability to take on bowlers from the get-go will be a significant asset in powerplay overs.
Unsold Players and Their Prospects
Not every player who entered the auction found a team, with some big names remaining unsold. Among them were South Africa’s Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma, Kamindu Mendis, Naseem Shah, Joshua Little, and Tony de Zorzi. Despite their strong reputations, these players did not attract bids during the auction. However, they may still find opportunities as the season progresses, particularly if injuries or form issues arise within the teams.
Final Squads for SA20 2025 Season
With the auction complete, all six teams now have their squads ready for the upcoming season. Here’s a look at the updated squads:
Durban Super Giants
- Brandon King (West Indies), Quinton de Kock, Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Chris Woakes (England), Shamar Joseph, and others.
Joburg Super Kings
- Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali (England), Jonny Bairstow (England), Wihan Lubbe, Evan Jones, Doug Bracewell (New Zealand), and others.
MI Cape Town
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Ben Stokes (England), Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks, Colin Ingram, Dane Piedt, and others.
Pretoria Capitals
- Anrich Nortje, Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand), Evin Lewis (West Indies), Marques Ackerman, Kyle Simmonds, and others.
Paarl Royals
- David Miller, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan), Rubin Hermann, and others.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
- Aiden Markram, Zak Crawley (England), Richard Gleeson, Okuhle Cele, and others.
SA20 2025 Season Format and Expectations
The third season of SA20 is set to begin on January 9, 2025, and will run until February 8. A total of 34 matches will be played across various venues, with six teams competing for the prestigious title. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape will enter the season as the defending champions, having defeated Durban’s Super Giants in the 2024 final by 89 runs.
With each team having carefully constructed their squads, the 2025 season promises to be highly competitive. Teams will rely on both seasoned internationals and rising local stars to deliver match-winning performances. The inclusion of rookies adds an exciting dimension to the league, offering young South African players the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Conclusion
The SA20 2025 Auction has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season of T20 cricket. With key players like Reeza Hendricks, Richard Gleeson, and Evin Lewis securing big contracts, the upcoming season is poised to deliver thrilling cricketing action. As teams finalize their preparations, cricket fans around the world eagerly await the start of the season on January 9, 2025.
