The six teams participating in SA20 Season 5 have announced their retained and pre-signed players, with the season set to commence on January 17 next year. The remaining squad positions will be finalised during the Player Auction on October 7, which will feature 19 available slots. Most teams have opted to retain their core players and South Africa’s top talent.
Australia’s T20I captain and T20 World Cup winner, Mitchell Marsh, is slated to make his debut in the league. Marsh, who has played 88 T20Is, will join Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the three-time champions. He will be accompanied by South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock. Marsh is expected to feature in the season opener at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, where the Sunrisers will face Pretoria Capitals. His compatriot, Matthew Short, is anticipated to be an opponent in this inaugural match.
England opener Phil Salt will return to the Capitals after participating in the first two seasons. Salt has improved his striking abilities, moving up to No 4 in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Sherfane Rutherford, a power-hitter from Season 4, will also return, reuniting with Dewald Brevis and the recently named Proteas T20I Player of the Year, Lungi Ngidi.
Squad movements and key returns
Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals have completed their full 19-player squad rosters ahead of the Player Auction. Joe Root, England’s newly appointed Test captain, will return for a second stint with the Royals. He will play alongside Ottneil Baartman, the 2025 Bowler of the Season, and Proteas David Miller and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
England all-rounder Sam Curran will represent DSG and is expected to lead their attack at Kingsmead. Curran previously played the first two seasons in Cape Town. He will now join Proteas captain Aiden Markram, former England captain Jos Buttler, West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, and Heinrich Klaasen in Durban.
Another English all-rounder, Will Jacks, has been pre-signed by MI Cape Town. Jacks had a successful run with Pretoria Capitals in the first three seasons, and fans at Newlands will hope he maintains his form. He previously represented MI Cape Town in the IPL and currently plays for the MI London setup in The Hundred.
Graeme Smith, the SA20 League Commissioner, commented on the upcoming season, stating that Season 5 is shaping up to be the strongest yet. He highlighted the league’s growing appeal on the global stage, evidenced by the inclusion of players like Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt. Smith also expressed excitement about these international talents playing alongside South Africa’s international and domestic stars.
Auction details and team preparations
The franchises are heading into the auction with the majority of their squads already secured, which Smith believes demonstrates the stability and consistency the league has established. This setup is expected to contribute to a highly competitive Season 5.
Jason Holder, the Major League Cricket-winning skipper, will join Joburg Super Kings. The Super Kings are seeking a new captain following the departure of Faf du Plessis, who led the side for the first four seasons. Other notable players released include England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, who previously formed an opening partnership with De Kock for the Sunrisers.
MI Cape Town has also parted ways with long-serving players Trent Boult, Rassie van der Dussen, and Kieron Pollard. Additionally, Wiaan Mulder and Nandre Burger, who were marquee signings for the Super Kings, will enter the auction pool. The SA20 Season 5 will begin on January 17 next year, with the Sunrisers facing the Capitals in a rematch of last season’s final, and the final is scheduled for February 21 at Newlands.
Source: newindianexpress.com
