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.

Tags: #SA20, #SA20Auction, #Cricket, #OverseasPlayers, #FastBowlers