The recent SA20 mini-auction saw significant acquisitions, with veteran Kieron Pollard joining Joburg Super Kings (JSK) for the 2027 season without facing any rival bids from MI Cape Town (MICT). Having been released earlier, JSK managed to bring back Faf du Plessis for R 2.7 million, rebuffing interest from MICT.
Although MICT could have pursued Pollard, they opted for Shimron Hetmyer as their finisher, acquiring him for R 1.5 million. In addition, they re-signed Trent Boult, New Zealand’s proficient left-arm seamer, for R 1.5 million. Boult is known for his effectiveness during the powerplay segments across various global leagues.
The auction’s standout moment was the sweeping bid for young talent Jason Rowles. At 18, Rowles attracted a robust R 2.9 million bid from JSK, outbidding MICT. The left-handed allrounder, who also bowls left-arm spin, has been in remarkable form. He showcased his abilities by leading the run-charts for South Africa at this year’s Under-19 World Cup and hitting a double century in a Youth Test.
“Jason Rowles was the highlight of the day for me. Seeing an 18-year-old spark the biggest bidding battle of the day tells you how much the franchises believe in the next generation,” stated Graeme Smith, SA20 league commissioner. “It was only last year that he was participating in the Final of the rain Schools SA20 and today he will get to be a part of a squad consisting of some of the world’s best T20 stars. That’s the pathway we set out to build, and it’s hugely encouraging to see it working.”
Pollard joins a strengthened JSK line-up, bringing his near milestone of 15,000 T20 runs into a middle order that includes Donovan Ferreira and Dian Forrester. Meanwhile, purported interest from JSK for the allrounder Wiaan Mulder proved futile, as MICT signed him for R 2.6 million.
On the bowling front, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, last season’s champions, bolstered their seam attack by acquiring Craig Overton and newcomer Nandre Burger. Overton will rejoin his old teammates Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje, among others, forming a versatile pace unit.
Pretoria Capitals made a notable signing with the pick of Rassie van der Dussen for R 500,000, following his initial unsold status in the marquee set. Later selections included Temba Bavuma for R 200,000, alongside West Indians Keemo Paul and Ackeem Auguste.
With their rosters already complete before the auction, both Paarl Royals and Durban’s Super Giants abstained from participating.
The fifth season of the SA20 will kick off on 17 January 2027 in Gqeberha, culminating in the final on 21 February in Cape Town. The opener at St George’s Park will replicate the previous season’s final clash between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals.
Squads Overview
Joburg Super Kings
– Retained: Jarren Bacher, Matthew de Villiers, Donovan Ferreira, etc.
– Pre-signings: Jason Holder (WI), Jamie Overton (ENG, wildcard)
– Auction: Faf du Plessis (R 2,700,000), Jason Rowles (R 2,900,000), and others.
MI Cape Town
– Retained: Rashid Khan (AFG), Nicholas Pooran (WI), etc.
– Pre-signings: Will Jacks (ENG)
– Auction: Shimron Hetmyer (R 1,500,000), Wiaan Mulder (R 2,600,000), and others.
Pretoria Capitals
– Retained: Dewald Brevis, Andre Russell (WI – Wildcard), etc.
– Auction: Rassie van der Dussen (R 500,000), Temba Bavuma (R 200,000), and others.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
– Retained: Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen (Wildcard), etc.
– Auction: Nandre Burger (R 500,000), Craig Overton (R 1,500,000).
Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals made no acquisitions during this auction period.
