'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The SA20, South Africa's premier franchise T20 cricket league, is gearing up for its third edition, scheduled from January 9 to February 8, 2025. Featuring six teams based in various cities across the country, the league follows a double round-robin and playoff format, with a total of 34 matches set to ignite cricketing passions once again. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, strategic moves are being made in player retention and releases, shaping their rosters for a competitive edge.
Ahead of the player auction, the defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and other franchises have begun to unveil their retention lists. Each squad in the SA20 comprises 19 players, including a 'Rookie' and 'Wildcard,' with a limit of eight overseas players.
On match days, teams can field up to four overseas players and must have a minimum of seven South Africans. The guidelines ensure a balanced mix of local and international talent, contributing to the league's dynamic nature.
Trending
As teams strategize to build formidable line-ups, several high-profile players have been released. These decisions, influenced by past performances and future potential, aim to recalibrate team strengths. Here are five significant player releases ahead of SA20 2025.
5 big players released by teams ahead of SA20 2025
#5 Temba Bavuma (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Temba Bavuma's release from Sunrisers Eastern Cape is a surprising yet calculated move. Despite the team's back-to-back championship victories under Aiden Markram's captaincy, Bavuma found limited opportunities in the 2024 season.
Playing just one game, he scored 33 runs with a strike rate of 110.00. As the Sunrisers aim for an unprecedented hat-trick of titles, they have chosen to retain their core squad, excluding Bavuma in favor of a more impactful roster.
#4 Reeza Hendricks (Joburg Super Kings)
Joburg Super Kings have released batter Reeza Hendricks following a season of underwhelming performances. Hendricks, an opening batter, accumulated 172 runs from 11 innings, averaging 24.57 with a strike rate of 110.96.
Despite his potential, the team's decision reflects a need for a more consistent and aggressive approach at the top of the order, which Hendricks struggled to deliver last season.
#3 Jos Buttler (Paarl Royals)
Jos Buttler's release by the Paarl Royals is one of the most notable decisions ahead of SA20 2025. Despite being the top scorer for the Royals in the previous season with 408 runs from 11 innings, averaging 40.80 and a strike rate of 143.66, Buttler was let go.
The Royals, led by retained skipper David Miller, aim to restructure their squad after a series of disappointing results, including five consecutive losses culminating in a defeat in the Eliminator against the Super Kings.
#2 Phil Salt (Pretoria Capitals)
Phil Salt, known for his explosive batting in T20 cricket, has been released by the Pretoria Capitals. Despite his recent form in other leagues, Salt's performance in the 2024 SA20 season was below expectations. He scored only 116 runs from 9 innings, with a poor average of 12.88.
The Capitals' decision reflects their intention to bring in more consistent and reliable performers as they prepare for the new season.
#1 Sam Curran (MI Cape Town)
MI Cape Town let go of all-rounder Sam Curran, who had a mixed season in 2024. Curran scored 157 runs from 9 innings, averaging 26.16 with a strike rate of 128.68. Additionally, he took 6 wickets from 10 innings but was often expensive, with an economy rate exceeding 10.
The team's choice to release Curran could be a look to balance the squad with more economical and impactful players both with the bat and ball.
Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️
