How Much Did Franchises Spend on Proteas Talent at SA20 Auction?
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Synopsis
In a historic move, SA20 Season 4 Auction witnessed franchises shelling out R116.9 million for South African players, with records shattered by Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram. This investment marks a significant uplift in the support for local talent, making South African cricket a focal point on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
- R116.9 million spent on South African players.
- Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram set new auction records.
- R22.8 million allocated for Under-23 talent.
- Investment in local players is crucial for future growth.
- Competitive bidding showcased the demand for South African talent.
Johannesburg, Sep 10 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move, a staggering R116.9 million (approximately Rs 59 crore) was poured into acquiring South African talent during the SA20 Season 4 Player Auction. This includes R22.8 million (around Rs 11.4 crore) dedicated to 12 Under-23 players, with Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram setting new auction benchmarks, becoming the highest-priced players in auction history.
The South African batting duo, who garnered significant attention prior to the auction led by Richard Madley, were highly sought after in Johannesburg, igniting excitement across the cricketing community amid fierce bidding contests for elite players.
The Pretoria Capitals, featuring Indian cricket legend and new coach Sourav Ganguly, triumphed in securing Brevis after a heated battle with the Joburg Super Kings, acquiring him for an astonishing R16.5 million (approximately Rs 8.3 crore), thus marking him as the most expensive player in SA20 auction history.
Coach Sourav Ganguly expressed his thoughts on Brevis’s signing: “I have high hopes for him. He possesses remarkable talent and has shown significant progress over the last year and a half, notably during his performances against Australia. He’s a game-changer, a crucial asset for T20 cricket.”
At just 22 years old, Brevis returns to Centurion after spending three seasons with MI Cape Town.
This electrifying Marquee Set 1 auction saw Brevis's purchase take place just 12 minutes after Markram was bought for R14 million (approximately Rs 7 crore).
Proteas T20I captain Markram is set to move to Kingsmead after the Sunrisers Eastern Cape attempted to retain him using their Right to Match (RTM) card at the initial auction price of R12.4 million (approximately Rs 6.2 crore), before DSG upped the ante by R1.6 million (around Rs 80 lakhs).
“Discussing numbers isn’t my favorite topic, but witnessing this investment in South African cricket is enthralling,” remarked the SA20 League Commissioner post-auction. “This kind of investment was previously absent. The franchises have stepped up and are firmly supporting South African players. This reflects the talent development over the last few years.”
The previous SA20 auction record was held by Tristan Stubbs from Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who fetched R9.2 million (approximately Rs 4.6 crore) during the inaugural auction in Cape Town in 2022.
The Joburg Super Kings also made notable acquisitions, including Proteas allrounder Wiaan Mulder for R9 million (around Rs 4.5 crore) and left-arm seamer Nandre Burger for R6.3 million (approximately Rs 3.1 crore).
In total, the six franchises invested R129.3 million (around Rs 65 crore) on 84 players, offering them a platform to showcase their talent in the upcoming Season 4.
Rising star Kwena Maphaka, a young paceman, is now part of the Durban Super Giants squad after being secured for R2.3 million (approximately Rs 1.1 crore). Promising young talents Janco Smit, Bayanda Majola, and JJ Bason were also picked up by the Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals, and Paarl Royals, respectively, marking their debut seasons in SA20.
“We’ve seen an unprecedented investment in young players,” stated Smith. “In the Under-23 category alone, over R22 million has been allocated, which is remarkable.”
Point of View
It's clear that the recent SA20 auction reflects a decisive shift in investment towards nurturing local talent. This commitment not only benefits the players but also enhances the overall competitive landscape of South African cricket. It's a promising sign for the future of the sport in our nation.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total expenditure on players in the SA20 auction?
The total expenditure on players in the SA20 auction was R116.9 million (approximately Rs 59 crore).
Who were the most expensive players bought in the auction?
The most expensive players were Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram, with Brevis fetching R16.5 million and Markram R14 million.
How much was invested in Under-23 players?
A total of R22.8 million (approximately Rs 11.4 crore) was invested in 12 Under-23 players.
What impact does this auction have on South African cricket?
This auction marks a significant investment in local talent, enhancing the competitive landscape and providing opportunities for young players.
What was the previous auction record?
The previous auction record was held by Tristan Stubbs, who was sold for R9.2 million during the first auction in 2022.
