Markram's Shock Exit Highlights SA20 Team Roster Decisions Ahead of Auction

Thursday - 24/07/2025 05:02

The retentions and pre-signings for the upcoming edition of the SA20 have been announced

The SA20 franchises have officially announced their player retentions and pre-signings in preparation for the 2026 season auction. Each team was permitted a maximum of six signings, consisting of three South African and three international players, along with an additional wildcard selection, which could be either a domestic or international player.

SA20 teams get six initial signings plus wildcard pick

Each team were allowed six signings along with an additional wildcard pick © Sportzpics

MI Cape Town, the defending champions, have largely maintained their title-winning squad. Their domestic retentions include George Linde, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch, while Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Trent Boult represent their international contingent. Ace speedster Kagiso Rabada has been signed as a wildcard. Consequently, the defending champions head into the auction with the smallest remaining purse of USD 654K.

In a surprising move, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-time champions, have released their captain, Aiden Markram. Instead, they have chosen to retain Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen, with Jansen being their wildcard pick. Their international players include AM Ghazanfar, Jonny Bairstow, and Adam Milne.

Durban Super Giants and Pretoria Capitals, both of whom struggled in the 2025 season, have made significant changes to their respective squads. The Super Giants made significant overseas signings, securing Sunil Narine, Noor Ahmad, and Jos Buttler, with Heinrich Klaasen named as their wildcard. The Capitals have made just three signings including Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford and Andre Russell. These changes leave both teams with the largest purses heading into the auction.

Joburg Super Kings have retained captain Faf du Plessis, along with international players James Vince, Akeal Hosein, and Richard Gleeson. Donovan Ferreira will be their wildcard pick. Paarl Royals have retained six players, with David Miller continuing as captain and Lhuan-dre Pretorius also staying with the team. Bjorn Fortuin and Rubin Hermann complete their domestic signings, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sikandar Raza will represent the team internationally.

Several prominent South African players, including the released Markram, will be available in the auction. Other notable names include Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj, as well as promising young talents like Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka. Experienced T20 specialists such as Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi will also be up for grabs.

The auction is scheduled for September 9, and each team is required to have a squad of 18 players.

Confirmed Squads:

MI Cape Town

Remaining Purse - USD 654K