Is Markram Set to Be the Top Star at the SA20 Auction?
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Synopsis
The upcoming SA20 season four auction is heating up, with Chris Morris predicting Aiden Markram will be the hottest commodity. As teams strategize to secure their desired players, new auction dynamics promise an exciting showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Aiden Markram is expected to be the standout player at the SA20 auction.
- The RTM card allows teams to retain players from the previous season.
- Franchises are investing in youth with a focus on Under-23 talent.
- Strategic shifts in team composition will make the auction exciting.
- Each team has a budget of USD 2.3 million.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) Former South African all-rounder Chris Morris has predicted that Aiden Markram will be the most coveted player in the upcoming SA20 season four auction scheduled for September 9.
Under Markram’s leadership, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape clinched back-to-back SA20 championships in 2023 and 2024, finishing as runners-up in the 2025 season. However, Markram decided to enter the auction again, even though the Sunrisers retain the option to use their Right to Match (RTM) card.
The RTM card empowers a franchise to match any winning bid for a player who was previously on their roster for season three, allowing them to keep their services. Each team has a limited number of RTM cards based on their pre-auction player retentions.
“I believe Aiden Markram will emerge as the most desired player in this auction. While surprises can happen, he’s certainly the top contender. Alongside him, Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke could also ignite bidding wars. If a team fails to secure Markram, they'll likely pursue Brevis, and if that doesn't pan out, they may chase Breetzke. Jordan Hermann is another promising young batter who could attract significant interest,” Morris commented on SuperSport.
He emphasized Brevis as a prime target, particularly for the Pretoria Capitals, coached by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. “Brevis, with his current form, is extremely valuable, and signing him would be a massive gain for the Capitals, especially since he hails from Pretoria.”
“It would be even more remarkable if they could pair him with another local talent, but that hinges on budget constraints. There are numerous factors to consider, particularly in building strong batting lineups, which makes the auction incredibly intriguing,” Morris added.
Stephen Cook, the former South African player and current SA20 Head of Cricket Operations, expressed his enthusiasm about the fresh dynamics of the player auction, which includes the elimination of the rookie draft and the requirement for teams to sign a minimum of two Under-23 players in their final 19-player squad.
“The auction structure is designed to keep teams balanced and competitive while also refreshing their rosters with the finest young talent and international stars. Each franchise is allocated USD 2.3 million to invest in players,” he stated.
“Although some teams have retained more players than others, every team must meet a minimum expenditure, and I anticipate that most will approach the spending cap. Auction day is always full of surprises, with strategies continually shifting.”
“This season introduces the Right to Match (RTM) cards, adding an exciting element. Another significant change is the mandate for each squad to include two South African Under-23 players, marking a solid investment in the youth and future of South African cricket,” he concluded.
Point of View
I believe that the SA20 auction represents a pivotal moment for South African cricket. With emerging talents and strategic shifts, franchises are poised to reshape their teams and invest in the future. It’s crucial for the sport's growth and competitiveness at both local and international levels.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the SA20 season four auction?
The SA20 season four auction is scheduled for September 9.
What is the Right to Match (RTM) card?
The Right to Match card allows a franchise to match the highest bid for a player previously in their roster, enabling them to retain that player.
Who are the other players to watch in the auction?
Apart from Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, and Jordan Hermann are also expected to draw significant interest.
How much budget do teams have for the auction?
Each team is allocated USD 2.3 million to invest in players during the auction.
What changes have been made to the auction structure this year?
This year, the rookie draft has been removed, and teams must include at least two Under-23 players in their final squad.
