SA20 auction: Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah among international players shortlisted
The upcoming SA20 auction is set to feature a host of international cricket stars, including fpacers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Joshua Little and Josh Hull. The shortlist for the event comprises nearly 200 players, with 115 South Africans vying for just 13 available positions across six franchises. Paarl Royals lead the pack with the largest budget of R11.95 million to spend at the auction. Here's more.
Franchise budgets and player shortlist for SA20 auction
MI Cape Town follows Paarl Royals with a budget of R8.275 million, while Pretoria Capitals have R4.575 million at their disposal. Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape hold budgets of R3.925 million and R2.845 million respectively, with Durban's Super Giants having the smallest purse of R2.35 million for the upcoming SA20 auction. The player shortlist also features international stars like New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Afghanistan wristspinner Qais Ahmad.
Graeme Smith's anticipation for SA20 season 3
Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season. He stated, "Some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit have already signed up for season 3 and I am looking forward to see how the teams finalize their squads from this competitive auction list of players." This statement underscores the high level of anticipation surrounding this event.
High-profile South African players in SA20 auction
Reeza Hendricks, recently released by Super Kings, is one of the most high-profile South African players on the shortlist. He is joined by fellow opener Tony de Zorzi. Each squad must comprise 19 players, including a minimum of 10 South Africans, a maximum of seven international cricketers, a rookie and a wildcard player. The franchises have until December 30 to finalize their wildcard player for the upcoming SA20 season.
Dinesh Karthik to debut in SA20 as Paarl Royals's wildcard
In a notable development, Paarl Royals have chosen former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Karthik, who retired from Indian and international cricket in June this year, will be the first Indian to feature in the SA20. The Super Kings are yet to announce their wildcard pick for the upcoming season. The SA20 2025 auction is scheduled for October 1 with the tournament commencing on January 9.
