NEWS
Follow UsSouth Africa batter Reeza Hendricks was snapped up for the highest price in the SA20 season 3 auction in Cape Town on October 1 (Tuesday). MI Cape Town (MICT) procured his services for R4.3 million. Hendricks, who has previously played for Joburg Super Kings (JSK) was the central attention of a bidding war between MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals, with the former finally winning the bid.
MI also added Colin Ingram (R175,000) and Dane Piedt (R175,000) to their star-studded squad.
Aiden Markram-led Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) have added pacers Okuhle Cele for R175,000 and English pacer Richard Gleeson, who played for Durban Super Giants (DSG) last season, for R2.3 million. DSG, who recently added Allan Donald to their coaching staff got West Indies tearaway pacer Shamar Joseph for R425,000.
Pretoria Capitals have roped in the West Indian opener Evin Lewis (R1.5 million) and Marques Ackerman (R80,000) along with all-rounder Kyle Simmons (R175,000). JSK, on the other hand, recruited Wihan Lubbe and Evan Jones for their base prices of R175,000, while wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann (R175,000) was Paarl Royals’ sole pick on the night.
As many as 580 players went under the hammer to fill 13 slots. “I think all six teams look very strong,” said SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith.
“From a League perspective we want to see all six squads competitive. It’s a nice mix of some quality South Africans and superb international names that have joined us for Season 3.
“As a cricket competition we want to see the South African players get stronger every year. We have seen the success of the IPL and the number of players that can be picked for India. I think we saw that progression last year with the likes of Ottneil Baartman. He had a great World Cup, and we are starting to see those type of players come through.
“I don’t think South African cricket has seen an event where there is so much quality cricket in a month period. If you think about the contests that are going to unfold in these six teams, it’s something that’s going to be unmatched,” Smith added.
Tristan Luus (MI Cape Town) and Dewan Marais (Paarl Royals) were also snapped up under the rookie segment.
“The Rookie element has been a lovely value add, in terms of the pathway and opportunities. We saw a lot of Rookies retained in initial squads this year,” Smith said.
“If you look at the squads in general, there are a number of young players on board. We have seen some of those start the domestic competitions well. They will now get the opportunity to play against and learn from the best players in the world.”
The third edition of the SA20 will kick start on January 9, 2025 witih SEC taking on MICT in the tournament opener at at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Full list of buys:
MI Cape Town: Reeza Hendricks (R4.3m), Colin Ingram (R175 000); Dane Piedt (R175 000) Tristan Luus (Rookie)
Pretoria Capitals: Evin Lewis (R1.5m), Marques Ackerman (R800 000), Kyle Simmons (R175 000), Keegan-Lion Cache (Rookie)
Paarl Royals: Rubin Hermann (R175,000) Dewan Marais (Rookie)
Joburg Super Kings: Wihan Lubbe (R175,000), Evan Jones (R175,000) Doug Bracewell (R175,000), JP King (Rookie)
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Okuhle Cele (R175,000), Richard Gleeson (R2.3m), Daniel Smith (Rookie)
Durban’s Super Giants: Shamar Joseph (R425,000), CJ King (Rookie)
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