Johannesburg, Sep 11 (NationPress) Heinrich Klaasen, a standout player for Durban’s Super Giants, has encouraged the young talent Dewald Brevis to perceive his impressive SA20 auction price as a testament to his past successes and latent potential rather than a source of stress. Klaasen emphasized that the auction value signifies the skills, hard work, and accomplishments Brevis has already demonstrated.

At the recent auction, Brevis was acquired for R 16.5 million (approximately USD 9,45,000) by the Pretoria Capitals, making him the second player to surpass the R 10 million milestone shortly after South Africa's T20I captain, Aiden Markram, was sold for R 14 million to Durban's Super Giants.

“Brevis needs to keep in mind that his auction price reflects his past achievements, not just what lies ahead. In cricket, despite rigorous training, one can still get dismissed on the first ball; it's an inherent aspect of the sport. The price mirrors his prior performances, dedication, and the numerous milestones he has reached, all of which enhance his prospects for success. I anticipate that his team will retain him over the next three years, focusing on showcasing his capabilities leading up to the next auction. Ultimately, that significant price tag is a recognition of his past accomplishments and the potential that everyone acknowledges,” Klaasen shared with JioHotstar.

Reflecting on three seasons of SA20, League Commissioner Graeme Smith noted the league’s progress and expanding global reach.

“In terms of execution, performance, competitive play, and viewership, I believe we have genuinely advanced towards becoming one of the premier franchise leagues outside of India. During the auction, we even trended in India at various points, which was thrilling to witness. The SA20 has established a robust platform for South African players, granting many global exposure beyond the national team,” he remarked.

“This is something I find especially fulfilling. Another significant achievement is how SA20 has contributed to rejuvenating cricket in South Africa. We are witnessing a substantial return of fans to stadiums, particularly in Season 3, with a notable increase in new audiences attending matches. To achieve global success, a league must first thrive at home, and the remarkable support we have garnered throughout South Africa has been crucial to our journey.”

Pretoria Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly drew comparisons between the role of SA20 in South African cricket and the influence of the IPL in India while commenting on acquiring Brevis.

“As observed in the IPL, domestic players command significant value, and this holds true across global cricket, including South Africa. It was anticipated that players like Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis would draw substantial bids due to their availability and retention numbers. Brevis is an exhilarating talent whose skills have advanced, as demonstrated against Australia in the recent series. However, in auctions, financial bids do not always correlate with a player's quality; it hinges on market dynamics. We are thrilled to welcome Brevis to our team.”

“The Centurion offers an excellent pitch, and I’m confident he will thrive there. There’s a wealth of talent emerging from that region that I was not fully aware of before this auction. We received outstanding feedback regarding Brevis from both the MI setup and the South African team. He is young, and we view him as a long-term asset, alongside Connor Esterhuizen and several promising young fast bowlers, including the highly-rated 19-year-old Bayanda Majola. These players will only improve with experience. As a franchise, we are committed to the broader vision and are delighted to have secured Brevis,” said the former India captain.