Joburg Super Kings made the biggest moves at the SA20 2027 mini-auction, signing Kieron Pollard, Faf du Plessis and teenage sensation Jason Rowles, while MI Cape Town strengthened their squad with Shimron Hetmyer, Trent Boult and Wiaan Mulder.
The Joburg Super Kings (JSK) made a statement at the SA20 2027 mini-auction on Wednesday, bringing back former captain Faf du Plessis and adding veteran T20 star Kieron Pollard and highly-rated South African teenager Jason Rowles to their squad.
Du Plessis, who had been released ahead of the auction, was bought back by JSK for R2.7 million, while Pollard joined the franchise for R1.5 million without a rival bid from MI Cape Town.
Pollard’s move adds considerable experience and power to the JSK middle order. The West Indies great is just one run away from becoming only the second batter after Jos Buttler to reach 15,000 runs in T20 cricket.
JSK’s biggest investment of the day, however, was on 18-year-old allrounder Jason Rowles, who fetched R2.9 million after a fierce bidding battle with MI Cape Town.
Rowles, a left-handed batter who also bowls left-arm spin, has emerged as one of South Africa’s most promising young cricketers. He was South Africa’s leading run-scorer at the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, making 280 runs in five innings at an average of 70 and a strike rate of 112.
He also hit a double-century in a Youth Test against England in Hove in July.
SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith described Rowles as one of the major highlights of the auction and said his signing demonstrated the league’s commitment to creating a pathway for young South African talent.
MICT strengthen squad with Hetmyer, Boult and Mulder
MI Cape Town opted against bidding for Pollard and instead secured West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer for R1.5 million.
Hetmyer is expected to provide MICT with another explosive option in the middle and lower order, particularly as a finisher.
The Cape Town franchise also brought back New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult for R1.5 million. Boult has been a key powerplay bowler across several MI-owned franchises and will add significant experience to the MICT attack.
Allrounder Wiaan Mulder was another major acquisition for MICT, with the franchise paying R2.6 million after beating competition from JSK.
Capitals add experience
Pretoria Capitals made several notable additions, including South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen for R500,000 after he went unsold in the marquee set.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was the final player selected at the auction, joining Capitals for R200,000.
The franchise also picked West Indies allrounder Keemo Paul and young batter Ackeem Auguste for R200,000 each.
Defending champions bolster pace attack
Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape focused on strengthening their fast-bowling department.
They signed left-arm quick Nandre Burger for R500,000 and brought back English seamer Craig Overton for R1.5 million.
The pair will join a formidable bowling group featuring Marco Jansen, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje and Lutho Sipamla.
Paarl Royals and Durban’s Super Giants did not participate in the auction after completing their squads before the event.
JSK unveil Jamie Overton as wildcard
JSK also announced England allrounder Jamie Overton as their wildcard signing. Overton previously impressed with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and adds further depth to the Joburg squad.
Alongside their headline purchases, JSK also signed USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous for R1 million, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for R500,000 and South African allrounder Dayyaan Galiem for R375,000.
The fifth season of the SA20 is scheduled to begin on January 17, 2027, in Gqeberha. The tournament will conclude with the final in Cape Town on February 21.
The opening match at St George’s Park will be a repeat of the 2026 final between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals.
