An 18-year-old schoolboy stole the headlines at Wednesday’s SA20 Season 5 player auction in Johannesburg, where some of cricket’s biggest names secured new deals ahead of the 2027 tournament.
South African Under-19 star Jason Rowles emerged as the most expensive player of the auction, with Joburg Super Kings splashing R2.9 million on the promising all-rounder following a fierce bidding war with MI Cape Town.
The St David’s Marist Inanda matriculant’s remarkable payday eclipsed those of established international stars, including former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who returned to Joburg Super Kings for R2.7 million.
Du Plessis, 42, had attracted interest from MI Cape Town but ultimately remained with the franchise he represented during the first four seasons of the competition.
Joburg Super Kings were the biggest spenders on the night, also securing West Indies legend Kieron Pollard for R1.5 million, American wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous for R1 million and Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for R500,000.
MI Cape Town also made several eye-catching acquisitions, spending R7.9 million on six players.
Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was their biggest purchase at R2.6 million, while West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer and New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult joined for R1.5 million each.
The defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, took a more conservative approach, strengthening their formidable bowling attack with the additions of England all-rounder Craig Overton for R1.5 million and Proteas left-arm seamer Nandre Burger for R500,000.
Pretoria Capitals, meanwhile, welcomed Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma for R200,000 and secured experienced batter Rassie van der Dussen for R500,000.
Biggest Buys Of The SA20 Auction
Jason Rowles: Joburg Super Kings – R2.9 million
Faf du Plessis: Joburg Super Kings – R2.7 million
Wiaan Mulder: MI Cape Town – R2.6 million
Kieron Pollard: Joburg Super Kings – R1.5 million
Shimron Hetmyer: MI Cape Town – R1.5 million
Trent Boult: MI Cape Town – R1.5 million
Craig Overton: Sunrisers Eastern Cape – R1.5 million
A total of 19 players were sold during the auction, with four franchises completing their squads. Paarl Royals and Durban’s Super Giants had already finalised their playing groups before the event.
The fifth edition of the SA20 gets underway on 17 January 2027, when defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape host Pretoria Capitals at St George’s Park in Gqeberha in a repeat of last season’s final.
With established international superstars and exciting young South African talent joining forces, another thrilling season of SA20 cricket awaits.
Lwanele is the Content Manager for BetJets News and has dedicated six years to creating top-notch sports betting content for major bookmakers, establishing himself as a trusted source for betting advice. As the resident tipster for TAB’s popular TV show Racing Today, he specialises in cricket, MMA, and soccer betting. Known for his keen analysis and practical tips, Lwanele provides BetJets readers with the tools they need to approach betting with confidence and strategy.
