South African cricketers Dewald Brevis and Aiden Markram broke the SA20 Season 4 auction records on Tuesday, becoming the most expensive players in the history of the auctions.
The top-tier South African batters created a buzz before entering Richard Madley’s auction room, attracting significant interest in Johannesburg and sparking excitement across the cricket community during the intense bidding for marquee players.
The Pretoria Capitals, led by Indian legend and new coach Sourav Ganguly, won a fierce bidding battle against Joburg Super Kings to secure Brevis for an astounding R16.5 million, making him the most expensive player ever in SA20 auction history.
“I hope he excels. I believe he is an exceptional talent. His game has significantly improved over the past year and a half, as demonstrated against Australia,” commented Ganguly.
“During that tour, he proved to be a game-changer, which is crucial in T20 cricket. We have Russell and Rutherford who can elevate the game, and I hope Brevis follows suit. Performance isn’t linked to money for me. Despite the R16.5 million, I genuinely believe he is a remarkable talent. His ability to play spin is crucial, which contributed to his high price.”
Brevis, 22, hailing from Pretoria, returns to Centurion after three seasons at MI Cape Town.
This exciting Marquee Set 1 saw Brevis’ purchase just 12 minutes after Aiden Markram was acquired for R14 million.
Proteas T20I captain Markram will move to Kingsmead after Sunrisers Eastern Cape tried to retain him using their Right to Match (RTM) card at R12.4 million, before DSG increased their bid by R1.6 million.
“I’m usually cautious discussing figures, but it’s thrilling to see the renewed investment in South African cricket,” said Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner, post-auction.
“This investment is unprecedented. Franchises have committed seriously. They’re backing South African players, reflecting the players’ progress over recent years. The SA20 platform has elevated their performances locally and internationally, which is why they’ve commanded high prices.”
The previous SA20 auction record was held by Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Tristan Stubbs at R9.2 million during the first auction in 2022.
Joburg Super Kings nearly matched this with Proteas allrounder Wiaan Mulder for R9 million, and left-arm seamer Nandre Burger for R6.3 million (approx. INR 3.1 crore).
Overall, the six franchises invested R129.3 million in 84 players, offering them a chance to shine in the upcoming Season 4.
A substantial R116.9 million was allocated to South African players, including R22.8 million for 12 Under-23 players.
Promising teenage paceman Kwena Maphaka joins the Durban Super Giants after being bought for R2.3 million, while emerging talents Janco Smit, Bayanda Majola, and JJ Bason were picked by Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals, and Paarl Royals, respectively, marking their debut SA20 seasons.
“We’ve seen unprecedented investment in young players. Over R22 million was allocated to Under-23 players in South African cricket, which is remarkable,” Smith noted.
