With the SA20 auction on the horizon, all eyes are on which players will spark bidding wars and land the most lucrative deals. Former South African all-rounder Chris Morris has weighed in on the potential headline acts, predicting a frenzy for certain players. The auction is scheduled for September 9, 2025, in Johannesburg.
Morris highlighted Aiden Markram, Kwena Maphaka, and Dewald Brevis as players who could trigger intense bidding. Markram, surprisingly released by Sunrisers Eastern Cape, is a particularly interesting case due to the franchise's right-to-match card. This allows them to match the final bid for him, potentially leading to strategic mind games from other teams aiming to drive up his price beyond what the Sunrisers can afford. Morris suggested that MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals could be potential destinations for Markram, as he could solve captaincy issues for both teams.
Kwena Maphaka, the young fast bowling sensation, is expected to be another highly sought-after player. Morris believes Maphaka will be "at the center of a bidding frenzy". Dewald Brevis, another young star who wasn't retained, is also predicted to attract significant interest. Morris is particularly interested in seeing how teams bid for these younger players and how much money they are willing to spend on them.
Morris also pointed out Rassie van der Dussen as an experienced player who could be in demand. Furthermore, he noted Delano Potgieter as a player who could be the "buy of the tournament". Potgieter's success in SA20 and his versatility make him a valuable asset, capable of covering multiple roles and adding balance to a squad. Morris emphasized the importance of having players who can cover multiple positions, providing backup options within the team.
The SA20 auction is generating significant excitement, with a total purse of USD 7.4 million available for the six franchises to fill 84 slots and complete their 19-player squads. This auction is the biggest since the league's inception in 2022. The dynamics of the auction are further complicated by the fact that some teams have already filled a significant portion of their squads, leaving them with limited funds, which means that many domestic players are likely to get opportunities.
The release of prominent players like Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Brevis has added an element of surprise to the auction. It remains uncertain whether these players sought to enter the auction themselves or if the franchises were unable to meet their demands. Nevertheless, these players, along with other notable names like Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj, will be up for grabs. Each team is allowed a maximum of six retained or pre-signed players, with a limit of three South African and three overseas players.
