SA20 Auction: Teams Allowed Six Player Retentions, RTM Cards Introduced OR SA20 Season 4: Franchises Get Six Retentions, Increased Purse for Player Auction

The SA20 league has announced that franchises can retain a maximum of six players ahead of the Season 4 auction. The auction is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on September 9. This decision sets the stage for strategic team building as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

All the franchises will see an increase in the purse to USD 2.3 million © Sportzpics

Each team participating in the SA20 auction will have a significantly increased salary purse of USD 2.3 million. This increase aims to foster more competitive bidding and allow teams greater flexibility in acquiring top talent. With a minimum of 72 slots available across the six teams, the auction promises to be an intense battle for the best players.

Retention Rules and Squad Composition

Franchises are permitted to retain or pre-sign up to six players, with a limit of three international players among those retained. This rule ensures a balance between local and international talent within each squad.

Here's a breakdown of the squad composition rules:

• Maximum Overseas Players: Each franchise can sign a maximum of seven international players in their 18-member squad.
• Minimum Local Talent: At least 11 slots must be reserved for local South African players.
• Wild Card Signing: Each team has the option to sign a 'wild card player,' either a South African or international cricketer, whose league fee will fall outside the salary cap.

Right To Match (RTM) Card Introduced

A new feature of this year's auction is the introduction of the Right To Match (RTM) card. This allows franchises to match the winning bid for a player who played for them in the previous season, enabling them to retain that player for the 2025-26 edition. The number of RTM cards available to each franchise will depend on the number of South African players they have already retained.

Focus on Emerging Talent

Unlike previous seasons, the upcoming auction will not include a Rookie Draft. Instead, franchises are now responsible for signing a minimum of two Under-23 players in their final 19-player squads. This shift emphasizes the importance of developing young, emerging talent within the SA20 league.

What to Expect From SA20 Season 4 Auction?

Stephen Cook, Head of Cricket Operations at SA20, anticipates an exciting auction. "The SA20 Season 4 Player Auction is setting up to be the most exciting yet, with about 60% of player slots available for the franchises to fill," Cook stated. He further added, "Mechanisms such as RTM cards, Wildcard players, and an increased salary cap are sure to create interesting situations for teams and will allow them to strategically select their squads. We have seen some life-changing transactions already in the past few years, and the upcoming auction should see plenty more."

Richard Madley will continue his role as the auctioneer for the fourth season. The SA20 Season 4 is scheduled to commence on December 26, promising another thrilling season of T20 cricket.