JOHANNESBURG, Sept 10: Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram rewrote the history books at the Betway SA20 Season 4 Player Auction, becoming the most expensive buys in the tournament’s history.
The Pretoria Capitals, with bids led by Indian cricket legend and new coach Sourav Ganguly, secured Brevis for a record R16.5 million after a heated contest with Joburg Super Kings. The 22-year-old, who hails from Pretoria, returns to Centurion after three seasons with MI Cape Town.
Markram, Proteas T20I captain, moved to Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Kingsmead base for R14 million, surpassing their initial Right to Match bid of R12.4 million.
Betway SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said the record investment signals strong support for South African talent, noting that franchises are now backing players who have excelled both domestically and internationally. The previous auction high of R9.2 million for Tristan Stubbs in 2022 was eclipsed in dramatic fashion.
Joburg Super Kings also made notable acquisitions, including all-rounder Wiaan Mulder for R9 million and seamer Nandre Burger for R6.3 million. Across all six franchises, R129.3 million was spent on 84 players, with South African talent receiving R116.9 million, including R22.8 million for 12 Under-23 prospects. Rising paceman Kwena Maphaka, alongside newcomers Janco Smit, Bayanda Majola, and JJ Bason, mark their debut SA20 seasons with significant investments.
“This unprecedented backing of young players highlights the growing platform for emerging talent in South African cricket,” Smith added. The record-breaking auction sets an exciting tone ahead of Season 4, promising competitive cricket and a showcase for the country’s top performers.
(UNI)
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