Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram Score Record Deals in SA20 Season 4 Auction

Johannesburg, September 10 (PTI) — In a landmark player auction for SA20 Season 4, South African cricketers Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram became the highest-paid players in the league's history, fetching record prices.

Dewald Brevis was snapped up by the Pretoria Capitals, coached by Sourav Ganguly, for a whopping R16.5 million (approximately Rs 8.3 crore). This breaks the previous highest record of R9.2 million (approximately Rs 4.6 crore), set in 2022 for Tristan Stubbs.

The Pretoria-based franchise managed to outbid Joburg Super Kings to sign the promising 22-year-old talent. "I hope he does well. I think he is a tremendous talent. His game has really progressed over the last one-and-a-half years, as we saw against Australia," said Ganguly in a statement following the auction.

"In that series, he proved himself to be a game-changer, which is essential in T20 cricket. With players like Russell and Rutherford, who can elevate the game, I am optimistic Brevis will match that energy," Ganguly added. "I never associate performance with money. Leaving aside the R16.5 million, I believe he is a fantastic talent. He plays spin very well, which is extremely important, and taking everything into account, that’s why he went for that price."

South Africa's T20I captain Aiden Markram was acquired by Durban's Super Giants for R14 million (approximately Rs 7 crore). Despite an attempt by Sunrisers Eastern Cape to retain him with a Right to Match card at R12.4 million, he moved to the Durban franchise.

"I'm always reluctant to talk about the numbers, but it is exciting to see the investment back into South African cricket," remarked SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith. "The franchises have come, and they've invested properly. You see they're getting behind the South African players," he added.

According to Smith, the SA20 platform has not only benefitted local players but also enhanced their prospects internationally. Overall, the six team franchises allocated a total of R129.3 million (approximately Rs 65 crore) on 84 players, out of which R116.9 million (approximately Rs 59 crore) was spent on South African cricketers.

Importantly, R22.8 million (approximately Rs 11.4 crore) was invested in 12 Under-23 players. Among the younger players, Kwena Maphaka, a teenage pacer, was picked by Durban's Super Giants for R2.3 million. Meanwhile, Janco Smit (Joburg Super Kings), Bayanda Majola (Pretoria Capitals), and JJ Bason (Paarl Royals) also secured contracts for their debut SA20 seasons.

The Joburg Super Kings made notable signings with allrounder Wiaan Mulder being acquired for R9 million (approximately Rs 4.5 crore) and left-arm seamer Nandre Burger for R6.3 million (approximately Rs 3.1 crore).

Season 4 of the SA20 is scheduled to take place from December 26 to January 25, 2026.

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