Kieron Pollard and Jason Rowles headline SA20 auction

The player auction for the fifth season of the SA20 cricket league featured several high-profile signings and franchise shifts. Kieron Pollard, a veteran West Indian all-rounder long associated with the Mumbai Indians franchise, joined the Joburg Super Kings for R1.5 million. SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith described Pollard’s move as an exciting addition to the league, noting that his vast experience will benefit younger players.

The highest bid of the auction went to South African U19 player Jason Rowles, who signed an R2.9 million deal with the Joburg Super Kings. Other notable moves included Faf du Plessis returning to the Super Kings for R2.7 million.

Other franchise updates included MI Cape Town signing Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult, while the Pretoria Capitals secured Keemo Paul, Ackeem Auguste, Josh Breed, and Temba Bavuma. Sunrisers Eastern Cape added Nandre Burger and Craig Overton to their roster. Due to a salary cap increase to R42 million, Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals required no further reinforcements.