Excitement Builds for SA20 Season 5 Player Auction

The SA20 Season 5 player auction is just around the corner, promising excitement as franchises prepare to spend USD 2.10 million on 19 player slots. With notable budgets and past auction experiences shaping expectations, fans can look forward to thrilling bidding wars. Former players and experts will provide insights during the live stream, making this event a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts. As teams finalize their rosters, the anticipation builds for who will be the next breakout star in South African cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 8, 2026, 00:29 IST

Thrilling Auction Ahead for SA20 Season 5

Johannesburg [South Africa], October 7: The upcoming player auction for the fifth season of SA20 is set to generate significant excitement, with four franchises ready to allocate USD 2.10 million across 19 available slots to finalize their teams.

Both Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals have completed their roster adjustments after the salary cap was raised to USD 2.54 million for this season. The Joburg Super Kings, led by coach Albie Morkel, have the largest budget at USD 1.245 million. MI Cape Town, under Robin Peterson's guidance, has USD 565,150, while the three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, coached by Adrian Birrell, possess USD 217,600. The Pretoria Capitals, last season's runners-up with Shaun Pollock at the helm, have USD 89,150 remaining.

The auction will be broadcast live on the SA20 YouTube Channel (https://sa20.mobi/S5Auction-LiveStream), along with continuous updates on all official social media platforms, as stated in a press release.

Dan Nicholl, a seasoned South African presenter and auctioneer, will officiate the event for the first time. Former Proteas players Chris Morris and Neil McKenzie will provide expert commentary during the auction.

Over the past five years, the SA20 auctions have been quite eventful, with a total expenditure on players reaching an impressive USD 70.75 million. From the league's inaugural record-breaking signing in 2022 to intense bidding wars and life-changing opportunities, each auction has left a mark.

Reflecting on his experiences, Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Tristan Stubbs recalled, “I was quite young, just in my twenties. I remember watching the Auction with my friends, and we were ecstatic. It was a surprise for everyone, including myself.”

Dewald Brevis surpassed Stubbs' previous record when he was acquired by the Pretoria Capitals for a remarkable R 16.5 million during the Season 4 auction.

In true Brevis style, he channeled this achievement into motivation, leading the Capitals to the finals last season. “People often mention the price tag, but I just focus on being Dewald and playing the game,” Brevis stated. “I understand my purpose in cricket and appreciate how the auction unfolded, representing my home team in Pretoria.”

Keshav Maharaj, captain of the Capitals, expressed that the uncertainty surrounding the auction adds to its thrill. “Entering the Auction, there’s always a fear of the unknown. Regardless of your status, there’s always a question of where you’ll end up and at what price,” Maharaj noted.

Matthew Breetzke had a different experience during the Auction. He was picked up by Durban's Super Giants for his base price of USD 10,576 in the inaugural Auction. Fast forward three seasons, and Breetzke returned to Sunrisers Eastern Cape for USD 368,000, showcasing his growth as a player.

“The opportunity provided by Durban's Super Giants was pivotal for my career,” Breetzke remarked. “During the Season 4 Auction, I had just landed from a flight and was overwhelmed with messages about returning home. It was a special moment for me and my family.”

Both Joburg Super Kings and MI Cape Town are required to select one Under-23 player from the final shortlist of 48. Additionally, the Super Kings have a Wildcard slot still available.

Fans outside Sub-Saharan Africa can catch the auction action on JioStar in India (20h30 IST), Sky Sports in the UK (16h00 BST), Apex in Pakistan (19h30 PKT), Fox Sports in Australia (23h00 AEDT), and Willow TV in North America (11h00 ET).

The Auction proceedings will include:

* Marquee Mixed Set Rounds

* Nomination Express Round (Teams nominate players they wish to bid on)

* No Right to Match (RTM) cards will be available for the four teams participating in the Season 5 Auction.

- Squad requirements for Season 5:

Each team must have 19 players registered:

* 18 squad players (maximum of 7 overseas, minimum of 11 South Africans – including 2 South African U23 players)

* One wildcard (can be either overseas or South African, not included in the salary cap)

A post-auction press conference will be held on Thursday, October 8, at 09h00 SAST, featuring SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith and the four participating coaches: Albie Morkel (Joburg Super Kings), Robin Peterson (MI Cape Town), Shaun Pollock (Pretoria Capitals), and Adrian Birrell (Sunrisers Eastern Cape). More details will be provided closer to the date.