Reeza Hendricks Fetches Record Bid at SA20 Auction

Reeza Hendricks Fetches Record Bid at SA20 Auction

South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks emerged as the most sought-after player at the SA20 auction ahead of the 2025 season, fetching a staggering bid of Rand 4.3 million. MI Cape Town outbid Pretoria Capitals in a fierce bidding war to secure the services of the batter.

Despite a disappointing T20 World Cup performance and being released by Joburg Super Kings, Hendricks’ recent form, including back-to-back half-centuries against Ireland, made him a highly desirable asset. He will reunite with his Lions teammates Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton at Cape Town.

However, Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi remained unsold, as six franchises had only 13 spots to fill. Durban’s Super Giants filled their lone slot with West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who had previously gone unsold. Joseph will join Allan Donald, the new bowling coach of Super Giants.

Cape Town also added Colin Ingram and Dane Piedt to their roster, bolstering their batting and spin attack, respectively. Back-to-back champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape continued their focus on fast bowlers, acquiring England’s Richard Gleeson and Dolphins’ Okuhle Cele.

Joburg Super Kings recruited allrounders Wihan Lubbe, Evan Jones, and Doug Bracewell, while Paarl Royals signed wicketkeeper Rubin Hermann. Pretoria Capitals spent heavily on Dolphins’ Marques Ackerman and West Indies opener Evin Lewis.

Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the strength of all six teams, highlighting the mix of quality South African and international players. He emphasized the league’s goal of developing South African players and pointed to the success of Ottneil Baartman as an example.

Super Kings selected Warriors’ allrounder JP King as their rookie player, while all other franchises have announced their wildcard picks. Notably, Royals have signed former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard player, making him the first Indian to feature in the SA20.

SA20 Auction Sets Stage for Thrilling Third Season

SA20 Auction Sets Stage for Thrilling Third Season

The third edition of the SA20 auction, held in Cape Town, set the stage for another thrilling season of South Africa’s premier T20 league. With the tournament scheduled to commence on January 9, 2025, and conclude on February 8, all six franchises aimed to complete their 19-player squads.

The auction witnessed intense bidding wars and strategic purchases as franchises sought to bolster their squads. Reeza Hendricks emerged as the most expensive signing, acquired by MI Cape Town for a staggering R4.30 million. Hendricks’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset for MI Cape Town.

Another high-value buy was Richard Gleeson, who joined Sunrisers Eastern Cape for R2.3 million. Gleeson’s express pace and yorker-bowling prowess make him a potent threat, particularly in the death overs. His experience in international leagues will be invaluable for Sunrisers Eastern Cape as they look to defend their title.

Evin Lewis, the West Indian powerhouse, was another exciting pick, joining the Pretoria Capitals for R1.5 million. Lewis’s explosive batting and ability to score quick runs will bolster Pretoria Capitals’ top-order firepower.

Marques Ackerman’s signing for Pretoria Capitals at R800K was a calculated move. The middle-order batter’s ability to stabilize innings and accelerate during the death overs makes him a versatile addition to the team.

In a bargain buy, West Indian fast bowler Shamar Joseph was snapped up by Durban’s Super Giants for just R425K. Joseph’s raw talent and genuine pace offer tremendous potential, and he could prove to be a surprise package on South African pitches.

The SA20 auction showcased the strategic thinking and competitive spirit of the franchises as they assembled their squads for the upcoming season. With a mix of international stars and rising domestic talents, the third edition of the SA20 promises to deliver thrilling cricket and intense competition.

SA20 Auction: International Stars Set to Light Up Third Season

SA20 Auction: International Stars Set to Light Up Third Season

The South African T20 league (SA20) is set to host its third season, and the upcoming player auction promises to be an exciting affair. With nearly 200 players shortlisted, including 115 South Africans, the six franchises will have their pick of some of the world’s best T20 talent.

Among the international players up for grabs are Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull. These players have all impressed in recent T20 tournaments and will be looking to make a mark in the SA20.

The Paarl Royals have the largest purse remaining at R11.95 million, followed by MI Cape Town with R8.275 million and Pretoria Capitals with R4.575 million. The Joburg Super Kings have R3.925 million, while the Sunrisers Eastern Cape hold R2.845 million. Durban’s Super Giants have the smallest purse remaining at R2.35 million.

Some of the notable international players on the shortlist include New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lankan allrounder Kamindu Mendis, and Afghan wrist-spinner Qais Ahmad. Reeza Hendricks, released by the Super Kings, is the most notable South African in the shortlist.

Each squad must have 19 players, including a minimum of 10 South Africans, a maximum of seven international players, a rookie, and a wildcard player. All franchises, except the Super Kings, have announced their wildcard picks. The Super Kings have until December 30 to name their wildcard player.

The Paarl Royals have selected former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Karthik will be the first Indian to compete in the SA20.

The SA20 Auction and Rookie Draft will take place on October 1. The tournament is scheduled to begin on January 9.

SA20 Auction Set to Feature International Stars

SA20 Auction Set to Feature International Stars

The upcoming SA20 auction promises to be a thrilling affair, with a host of international stars set to go under the hammer. Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull are among the overseas players who will be up for grabs.

Nearly 200 players, including 115 South Africans, have made the shortlist, but only 13 spots are to be filled up by the six franchises. Paarl Royals have the biggest purse of R11.95m to spend at the auction, followed by MI Cape Town with R8.275m and Pretoria Capitals with R4.575m.

Other overseas attractions in the shortlist include New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Afghanistan wristspinner Qais Ahmad.

“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,” said Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner.

Reeza Hendricks, who was released by Super Kings, is perhaps the most high-profile South African in the shortlist along with fellow opener Tony de Zorzi.

All squads are required to have 19 players, with a minimum of ten South African players, a maximum of seven international players, a rookie, and a wildcard player.

Barring Super Kings, all franchises have announced their wildcard picks. Notably, Paarl Royals picked former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Having retired from Indian and international cricket in June earlier this year, Karthik will become the first Indian to feature in the SA20.

Super Kings have until December 30 to lock in their wildcard player.

The SA20 2025 auction will take place on October 1 and the tournament will begin on January 9, clashing with Australia’s Big Bash League, UAE’s ILT20, and New Zealand’s Super Smash.

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