The SA20 auction for the upcoming fourth season is set to be one of the most exciting and transformative in the league’s short history. Scheduled for September 9, 2025, in Johannesburg, the event will see a major reshuffle as at least 72 player slots—out of a total of 108 across six franchises—become available for bidding. With new rules, a record salary cap, and fresh strategic elements, the SA20 is poised to deliver a dynamic marketplace for cricket talent.
Key Changes and Highlights
Major Reshuffle and Player Slots
- 72 Open Slots: Over 60% of player positions will be up for grabs, ensuring significant squad turnover and opportunities for both established stars and emerging talents.
- Reduced Retentions: Teams can retain or pre-sign a maximum of six players—three South African and three overseas—marking the lowest retention limit in the league’s history.
Right to Match (RTM) Cards
- New Strategic Tool: For the first time, franchises can use Right to Match (RTM) cards, allowing them to retain a player from their previous season by matching the highest bid during the auction.
- RTM Card Allocation: The number of RTM cards each team receives depends on how many South African players they retain pre-auction
Squad Composition and Salary Cap
- Squad Structure: Each team’s regular squad consists of 18 players, with a maximum of seven overseas and a minimum of 11 South African players.
- Wildcard Player: Teams can add one wildcard player (South African or overseas), whose salary does not count towards the main salary cap.
- Increased Salary Cap: The salary cap has been raised to R41 million per franchise—the highest in SA20 history and the most lucrative for any T20 league outside India.
Youth Development and Rookie Changes
- Scrapped Rookie Draft: The league has eliminated the rookie draft, replacing it with a mandate for teams to sign at least two players under the age of 23 in their final 19-player squads.
- Focus on Youth: This change underscores SA20’s commitment to nurturing young South African talent and ensuring their exposure on a global stage.
Auction Details and Schedule
- Date and Location: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Johannesburg.
- Broadcast: The auction will be broadcast live on SuperSport and the SA20 YouTube channel, with real-time updates across all SA20 social media platforms.
- Auctioneer: The charismatic Richard Madley will once again oversee proceedings.
With 72 slots to fill, a record salary cap, and the introduction of RTM cards, the SA20 auction is set to be a strategic battleground for franchises. The league’s continued emphasis on local talent and youth development ensures a vibrant mix of experience and potential in every squad. The wildcard option and the new U23 mandate add further layers to team-building strategies, making this auction a must-watch for cricket fans and analysts alike.
What to Expect on Auction Day
- High-Stakes Bidding: With so many spots available and new rules in play, expect aggressive bidding and last-minute surprises.
- Strategic Moves: Franchises will need to balance their use of retentions, RTM cards, and wildcard picks to assemble competitive teams within the salary cap.
- Emerging Stars: The focus on U23 players means new faces could make a splash and secure life-changing contracts.
Season 4 Schedule
The fourth edition of SA20 will kick off on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, marking a shift from the usual January start due to the absence of home Tests in the 2025-26 summer. The league will revert to its regular window for 2027 and 2028, with a slightly longer season planned for those years.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the SA20 auction unfolds on September 9. Follow SA20’s official channels for real-time coverage and get ready for a season of thrilling cricket action!