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43-Year-Young James Anderson Set To Throw Hat In SA20 Auction Ring - Reports

Soumyajit Dutta

James Anderson ready for SA20 auction [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]James Anderson ready for SA20 auction [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

In a surprising turn of events, legendary English fast bowler James Anderson has thrown his name into the auction pool for the upcoming SA20 season, as per reports. The 43-year-old, who retired from Test cricket last year as England’s highest wicket-taker, features among 782 players eyeing just 84 available slots in the tournament.

James Anderson’s name stands out not only for his storied international career but also for his age-defying presence in a format dominated by youth. He is listed between Ben Green and Mason Crane on the auction roster, subtly placed yet impossible to overlook. 

Anderson Eyes Maiden SA20 Stint

Since retiring from Tests, Anderson has remained active in domestic circuits, featuring in 17 matches across first-class, T20, and The Hundred competitions. Notably, he also threw his name in IPL 2025's auction pool but went unpicked. With an echo effect, the veteran was also undrafted in The Hundred 2025, but later earned a wildcard call to secure a stint for Manchester Originals.

The English veteran, though, isn't in great touch. Out of his 3 matches in The Hundred 2025, he managed to pick only 2 wickets as he went wicketless in his first two matches while being expensive with the ball.

As per a Cricbuzz report, he isn’t the only veteran seeking a place in South Africa’s premier T20 league. The list also includes 46-year-old Imran Tahir, the evergreen leg-spinner who continues to be a globetrotting T20 asset.

Starry Pool For SA20 Auction!

Among other notable names in the auction are current internationals like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Reece Topley, and Shamar Joseph, as well as established stars such as Martin Guptill, Jason Roy, and Mahmudullah. The list also features South African players like Quinton de Kock, whose international future remains unclear, and Temba Bavuma, who hasn’t played a T20 since April 2023.

The auction is scheduled for September 9 in Johannesburg, with franchises having a total of $7.37 million left to spend. The SA20 season begins on December 26 at Newlands and concludes with the final on January 25 at the same venue.