The build-up to SA20 Season 4 reaches a pivotal stage as the league gears up for its fourth annual player auction, scheduled for Tuesday, 9 September in Johannesburg. With at least 72 player slots open, franchises are expected to engage in a high-stakes bidding battle that could reshape the landscape of the upcoming season.
This year’s auction introduces several structural enhancements aimed at increasing strategic depth and player value. Among the most notable innovations is the introduction of the Right to Match (RTM) cards—marking a first in SA20 history. These cards allow franchises to reclaim a player from Season 3 by matching the highest auction bid, offering a tactical advantage to teams keen on continuity.
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Teams will once again consist of 18-player squads, with a minimum of 11 local South African players and up to 7 overseas players. The Wildcard option also returns for Season 4, allowing each franchise to sign one additional player—local or international—outside the salary cap. This flexible mechanism has already proven valuable for teams seeking star power or untapped potential.
Franchises are allowed to retain or pre-sign up to six players before the auction, with a limit of three overseas and three South African players in this group. However, with about 60% of total slots still to be filled, there is significant room for movement, and bidding is expected to be fierce.
The league has also increased its salary cap to an all-time high of R41 million per franchise, surpassing previous seasons and establishing itself as the most lucrative T20 league outside of India. The cap has grown steadily since the tournament’s inception, up from R34 million in Season 1, reflecting the league’s growing commercial strength and global stature.
Stephan Cook, Head of Cricket Operations for SA20, expressed optimism about the upcoming auction: “The Betway SA20 Season 4 Player Auction is setting up to be the most exciting yet. With RTM cards, Wildcard players, and a record salary cap, franchises will be able to take a more strategic approach to squad selection. We’ve already seen some transformative deals in past editions, and this year promises even more drama.”
Further supporting its developmental goals, SA20 has eliminated the Rookie Draft and instead mandated that teams include at least two Under-23 players in their final squads. This change underscores the league’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging South African talent on a global stage.
Presiding over the proceedings once again will be auctioneer Richard Madley, whose enthusiastic style has become a hallmark of the SA20 event.
The auction serves as the first major milestone ahead of the highly anticipated Season 4, which is set to begin on December 26, during the festive period. With a blend of local promise and international star power on offer, the 2025 SA20 auction is expected to set the tone for another thrilling season of cricket.
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