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Aiden Markram’s Exit Headlines SA20 2026 Retention and Pre-signing Announcements
Major Overhaul Across SA20 Franchises Ahead of 2026 Auction
The build-up to the SA20 2026 season has taken center stage as all six franchises officially announced their retentions and pre-signings before the highly anticipated auction scheduled for September 9. With a cap of six signings per team — comprising three South African and three overseas players — teams were also allowed a wildcard signing, which could be either local or international.
Amid the expected strategic decisions, the biggest shock came from the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who chose to release their captain Aiden Markram, a move that has surprised fans and analysts alike.
Defending Champions MI Cape Town Stick to Winning Formula
MI Cape Town, the reigning champions, have opted for continuity over change. They’ve retained a strong core of players who delivered them the title earlier this year. Domestic names like George Linde, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch form the local trio, while international stars Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, and Nicholas Pooran remain key to their overseas lineup.
The franchise has named Kagiso Rabada as their wildcard — a significant move that reinforces their bowling depth. However, this decision leaves MI Cape Town with the lowest auction purse of USD 654K, making them the most restricted side going into the auction.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Let Go of Markram, Back Youth
In a bold strategic shift, Sunrisers Eastern Cape have parted ways with Aiden Markram, who led them to two previous titles. Instead, they’ve opted to build around Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen, with Jansen taking the wildcard slot.
Their international trio is filled with a mix of youth and experience — Jonny Bairstow, Adam Milne, and AM Ghazanfar. The team enters the auction with a healthy USD 1.2 million purse, giving them significant flexibility to rebuild around a new leadership core.
🔗 For a full recap of the 2025 SA20 final, read our detailed SA20 2025 final match report.
Durban and Pretoria Opt for Heavy Revamps After Poor Seasons
Both Durban Super Giants and Pretoria Capitals had a forgettable 2025 campaign with just two wins each. Unsurprisingly, both sides have taken drastic steps to refresh their rosters.
Durban Super Giants Go Star-Heavy with Overseas Talent
DSG have bet big on T20 firepower. They’ve secured Sunil Narine, Jos Buttler, and Noor Ahmad as their international core. Domestically, Heinrich Klaasen has been named their wildcard. With a sizable USD 1.6 million purse, they’ll be key players in the upcoming auction.
Pretoria Capitals Retain Big-Hitters, Save the Most Cash
Pretoria Capitals have the highest remaining purse — USD 1.8 million. Their three signings include Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, and Andre Russell, who will play as their wildcard. With no domestic signings yet, their auction strategy could define their 2026 season.
Joburg and Paarl Opt for Balance and Experience
Joburg Super Kings Back Their Core
JSK have re-signed their veteran captain Faf du Plessis and domestic all-rounder Donovan Ferreira as the wildcard. On the international front, they’ve kept James Vince, Akeal Hosein, and Richard Gleeson. With USD 1.2 million left, they seem poised to make smart additions.
Paarl Royals Trust Continuity and Youth
With a balanced approach, Paarl Royals retained six players. David Miller will continue to lead, while rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius and domestic talents Bjorn Fortuin and Rubin Hermann were also retained. Overseas choices include Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sikandar Raza. Their remaining purse is USD 825K.
Big Names Headline Auction Pool for 2026 Season
Several marquee South African names will go under the hammer at the auction, including:
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Aiden Markram
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Quinton de Kock
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Anrich Nortje
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Tabraiz Shamsi
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Keshav Maharaj
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Lungi Ngidi
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Wiaan Mulder
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Dewald Brevis
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Kwena Maphaka
With young prodigies and seasoned T20 campaigners available, the auction promises fierce bidding wars.
SA20 2026 Squads and Remaining Purse Breakdown
| Team | Key Retentions | Wildcard | Remaining Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| MI Cape Town | Linde, Rickelton, Bosch, Pooran, Rashid, Boult | Kagiso Rabada | USD 654K |
| Sunrisers EC | Stubbs, Jansen, Bairstow, Milne, Ghazanfar | Marco Jansen | USD 1.2M |
| Joburg Super Kings | Du Plessis, Vince, Hosein, Gleeson | Donovan Ferreira | USD 1.2M |
| Paarl Royals | Miller, Pretorius, Fortuin, Hermann, Raza, Mujeeb | Rubin Hermann | USD 825K |
| Pretoria Capitals | Jacks, Rutherford | Andre Russell | USD 1.8M |
| Durban SG | Narine, Buttler, Ahmad | Heinrich Klaasen | USD 1.6M |
🔗 For full auction updates and player list, refer to the official SA20 website.
