South Africa U19 star Jason Rowles bought for big money at SA20 auction

The 18-year-old's potential to be a future star was a underlined by an intense bidding war between the Super Kings and MI Cape Town, but the team at the Wanderers eventually captured the young batter.

The Super Kings also welcome back former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who was bought for R2.7million, against beating MI Cape Town for the 42-year-old's signature.

Du Plessis will be joined by another highly experienced T20 veteran in West Indies veteran Kieron Pollard, all-rounder, who is the all-time leading run-scorer in men's T20 cricket history, was snapped up by the Super Kings for R1.5 million.

MI Cape Town were not going to be outdone and invested heavily in Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, securing his services for R2.6 million, while also adding West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer for R1.5million in the first purchase of the day.

Former Proteas top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen will meanwhile continue his SA20 journey with the Pretoria Capitals, having previously represented MI Cape Town, after being secured for R500 000.

Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma will be enjoying his third stint in SA20, having been bought by the Capitals.

Three-times champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape once again showed their shrewdness at the auction table by completing their 19-player squad with the addition of Proteas left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger and England allrounder Craig Overton.

The duo will form part of a formidable Sunrisers Eastern Cape pace attack that already includes Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Lutho Sipamla.

MI Cape Town also strengthened their seam bowling stocks with the return signing of New Zealand paceman Trent Boult and 21-year-old local Oliver Whitehead.

SA League commissioner Graeme Smith said: "Jason Rowles was the highlight of the day for me. Seeing an 18-year-old spark the biggest bidding battle of the day tells you how much the franchises believe in the next generation.

"It was only last year that he was participating in the Final of the rain Schools SA20 and today he will get to be a part of a squad consisting of some of the world's best T20 stars. That's the pathway we set out to build, and it's hugely encouraging to see it working.

"It's become a home where world-class players like Faf du Plessis, Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult sit alongside South Africa's brightest young talent."

The fifth season of SA20 gets underway on Sunday, 17 January 2027, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape hosting Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park in Gqeberha in a repeat of last season's final.

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