The countdown to the SA20 Season 4 Auction is officially on — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in South African cricket this year. With the six franchises having locked in their pre-signed and retained players, and wildcard picks already revealed, attention now turns to the auction on 9 September in Johannesburg, where R131 million will be up for grabs to fill the remaining 84 player slots.
Retention Rules: How We Got Here
Each franchise was allowed to retain or pre-sign up to six players, with a maximum of three South Africans and three overseas players. The retention window closed on 18 July 2025, after which teams were also permitted to lock in their Wildcard signings — players who either featured in Season 3 or are overseas stars brought in outside the auction framework.
What’s at Stake?
With R131 million available collectively across the six franchises, team management will be looking to balance star power, team chemistry, and financial smarts to plug the gaps. The auction offers one last chance to build the perfect squad before Season 4 begins.
✅ Franchise-by-Franchise Breakdown: Players Retained & Remaining Purse
Durban’s Super Giants
Remaining Purse: R29.5 million
- Retained/Pre-Signed:
- Sunil Narine
- Noor Ahmad
- Jos Buttler
- Wildcard: Heinrich Klaasen
A strong overseas core, led by Narine and Buttler, but with a sizable purse remaining, expect DSG to go hunting for local firepower.
Joburg Super Kings
Remaining Purse: R21.5 million
- Retained/Pre-Signed:
- Faf du Plessis
- James Vince
- Akeal Hosein
- Richard Gleeson
- Wildcard: Donovan Ferreira
The Joburg franchise is banking on a mix of power hitters and crafty bowlers. With over R20 million left, they could still make a marquee splash.
MI Cape Town
Remaining Purse: R11.5 million
- Retained/Pre-Signed:
- Ryan Rickelton
- George Linde
- Corbin Bosch
- Rashid Khan
- Trent Boult
- Nicholas Pooran
- Wildcard: Kagiso Rabada
Possibly the most stacked team on paper. With limited funds left, MICT will need to shop smart for domestic depth.
Paarl Royals
Remaining Purse: R14.5 million
- Retained/Pre-Signed:
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius
- David Miller
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Sikandar Raza
- Wildcard: Rubin Hermann
The Royals have retained a balanced core, but will likely look to bolster their seam bowling and finishing options in the auction.
Pretoria Capitals
Remaining Purse: R32.5 million
- Retained/Pre-Signed:
- Will Jacks
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Wildcard: Andre Russell
A light retention list but a monster war chest. With Russell as their wildcard, expect fireworks — both in the auction room and on the field.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Remaining Purse: R21.5 million
- Retained/Pre-Signed:
- Tristan Stubbs
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Adam Milne
- Jonny Bairstow
- Wildcard: Marco Jansen
As defending champions, SEC have gone for international experience with just enough budget left to add key depth and local talent.
🗓️ Mark the Date: 9 September 2025
The auction will be held in Johannesburg and will likely feature bidding wars for in-form South African domestic players and high-profile overseas T20 freelancers. With 84 slots up for grabs and budgets carefully strategized, expect plenty of surprises, tactical plays, and perhaps a few head-scratching bids.
This is the calm before the storm. Once the squads are finalized, the build-up to SA20 Season 4 will truly begin.
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