South African cricket is gearing up for its richest player auction yet, with a staggering R131 million on the line as the Betway SA20 gears up for Season 4. The showdown takes place in Johannesburg on 9 September, where 84 slots across six franchises will be filled.
Each team walks into the room with deep pockets. The Pretoria Capitals lead the way with a monster purse of R32.5 million. They’ve gone bold by handing the coaching reins to Indian legend Sourav Ganguly, ably backed by local icon Shaun Pollock.
Durban’s Super Giants aren’t far behind with R29.5 million to spend. Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape sit level on R21.5 million apiece. Paarl Royals (R14.5 million) and defending champions MI Cape Town (R11.5 million) will play it a little tighter.
The Capitals are essentially building from scratch after revamping their backroom. Durban have a settled unit stacked with international firepower like Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine, Heinrich Klaasen, and Noor Ahmad. In Joburg, Faf du Plessis stays the heartbeat of the Super Kings, alongside proven imports James Vince, Richard Gleeson and Akeal Hosein.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who once splashed a record R9.2 million on Tristan Stubbs, are plotting another smart raid. Marco Jansen, Stubbs, Jonny Bairstow, Adam Milne, and Afghan teen sensation Allah Ghazanfar are already in the mix. Paarl Royals will once again lean on their youth project, anchored by Season 3’s top scorer Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Seasoned campaigners like David Miller and Sikandar Raza make a welcome return.
At Newlands, MI Cape Town have doubled down on their title-winning squad. Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Trent Boult, and others have been retained. West Indies big-hitter Nicholas Pooran has been added to the roster for extra flair.
There’s also a fresh twist this year: every franchise must include at least two Under-23s in their 19-man squads, replacing the old rookie draft system.
“The competition is only getting bigger, and this auction will set the tone,” said Capitals coach Sourav Ganguly. “Every team is looking for that one player who can change games and lift trophies — that’s what makes this auction so exciting.”
The numbers are huge, the stakes even bigger. And when the hammer falls on 9 September, we’ll know who the next South African cricket millionaire will be.