The upcoming fourth edition of SA20 is gearing up for a major transformation with fresh rules and a revamped auction process. The auction for the new season is slated to take place in Johannesburg on 9 September, the league confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday (24 June).
A notable new feature making its debut in this edition is the introduction of Right to Match (RTM) cards. This allows teams to retain players from their previous season’s squad by matching the highest bid made by another franchise. However, teams will have a limited number of RTM cards, determined by how many South African players they retain prior to the auction.
Franchises can also once again sign a wildcard player, either local or international, whose salary will not count towards the team’s salary cap. Each franchise may retain up to six players ahead of the auction, which includes a maximum of three overseas and three South African players.
The overall squad structure remains unchanged, with each team allowed to sign 18 players, including a maximum of seven overseas cricketers. This format continues to prioritise opportunities for local players while attracting top global talent.
SA20 2026 will be better and bigger
“Season 4’s player auction is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet, with approximately 60% of squad places open for franchises to fill. Features such as RTM cards, wildcard signings, and a higher salary cap will lead to plenty of tactical decisions. We’ve witnessed some life-changing signings in past seasons, and we expect this year’s auction to follow suit,” said Stephen Cook, Head of Cricket Operations for SA20.
Richard Madley will be the auctioneer. A total of at least 72 player slots will go under the hammer at the SA20 auction.
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