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SA20 2026 Auction: 541 Players Shortlisted But No Indian Player Makes The Cut

Jatin

SA20 2024 auction will take place on September 9 [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/x.com]SA20 2024 auction will take place on September 9 [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/x.com]

The buzz around SA20 2026 is reaching it’s peak with the auction set for September 9 in Johannesburg. A record 800-plus cricketers had thrown their hats into the ring but only 541 names have been finalized.

Indians Miss Out As 541 Players Finalised For SA20 Season 4

However, one detail that stood out was: not a single Indian player made the cut. Earlier reports suggested that around 13 Indian cricketers, including veterans like Piyush Chawla and Siddharth Kaul, had put their names forward.

Even Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his IPL retirement, hinted at exploring foreign T20 leagues. But as the dust settles on the final shortlist, none of them have made the cut.

Overseas Stars Headline The SA20 Auction List

The trimmed-down list still promises fireworks. Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan headlines the overseas bunch and could become the first from his country to feature in the league. 

From England, evergreen seamer James Anderson, alongside T20 specialists like Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, Adam Rossington, Jordan Cox and Daniel Worrall, add extra star power.

Proteas Power On Home Soil

The biggest names, of course, come from South Africa’s own stable. Expect heated bidding for the likes of Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Gerald Coetzee. Also in the pool are WTC champions Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Tony de Zorzi and Dane Paterson.

Auction Dynamics

With 84 slots available across six franchises, the bidding war is expected to be fierce. Teams have a combined purse of R131 million (around US$7.37 million) with 25 spots specifically for overseas players. Each squad must rope in 19 players, including at least 9 South Africans, up to 7 internationals, two U23 local players and a Wildcard pick.

SA20 2026 Start Date

The auction will set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive season yet. The tournament begins on December 26, 2025 and runs into the new year. With star power from around the globe, expect six weeks of exciting cricketing action.