Betway SA20 season four auction brings fresh strategies to the fore

The anticipation for Season 4 of the Betway SA20 is building as Johannesburg prepares to host the fourth annual player auction on Tuesday, 9 September.

 This year, cricket fans can expect thrilling bids and strategic manoeuvres, with a minimum of 72 player slots available across six franchises, setting the stage for fierce competition and dynamic team formations.

In a bid to enhance the league’s competitive edge, the squad compositions will remain consistent, focusing on the integration of local talent on a global platform. Teams will comprise 18 players, of which a maximum of 7 can be foreign players, alongside at least 11 South African players. Moreover, each franchise will have the opportunity to sign one Wildcard player, adding a layer of flexibility and excitement to their roster without impacting the salary cap.

This year’s auction introduces the largest salary cap in the history of the competition—a whopping R41 million per franchise. This reflects the growing stature of the Betway SA20, now housing the highest franchise T20 league salary cap outside India. Since its inception, the salary cap has increased significantly from R34 million in Season 1, illustrating the upward trajectory of the league and its commitment to attracting top talent.

Adding to the intrigue, a significant strategic innovation is the introduction of Right to Match (RTM) Cards, a Betway SA20 first. These cards allow a franchise to match any winning bid for a player who represented them in Season 3, enabling teams to retain valued players and deepening their connection with fans. The number of RTM cards available will depend on the number of South African pre-auction retentions each team opts to utilise.

In a shift to better nurture young talent, the league will no longer conduct a Rookie Draft. Instead, each team must include at least two under-23 players in their final 19-player squads, underscoring the league’s commitment to youth development and sustainability in South African cricket.

As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on the ever-charismatic auctioneer Richard Madley, who has become a hallmark of the Betway SA20 auctions. The event will be broadcast live on SuperSport and the SA20 YouTube Channel, ensuring fans can follow the action across all major social media platforms.

This auction is the first major milestone leading up to the exciting fourth season, which is set to kick off during the festive period starting 26 December 2025. As teams gear up for an exciting season ahead, the stakes have never been higher, with local and international talents ready to showcase their skills on what promises to be a grand stage.