Full team lists, new signings and auction slots available

All six SA20 franchises have confirmed their retained and pre-signed players ahead of the SA20 2027 Player Auction, with the majority of their squads already finalized for Season 5. This article includes the complete squad status for every franchise, the biggest new overseas arrivals, and the number of auction slots each team still has available.

The upcoming auction on October 7 will feature only 19 available player slots as franchises have retained their core groups. While Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals have already completed their squads, teams like Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Pretoria Capitals, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape will make the remaining additions at the auction.

Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root headline SA20 2027 squad announcements before auction

The biggest headline ahead of the auction is Mitchell Marsh’s arrival at Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where the Australia T20I captain is set to make his SA20 debut. The three-time champions have also signed Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, strengthening an already impressive squad featuring Quinton de Kock. Sunrisers have just two places left to fill at the auction.

Paarl Royals have decided against participating in the auction after finalising all 19 squad spots in advance. The franchise has welcomed back England Test captain Joe Root, who returns for a second stint alongside stars including David Miller, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ottneil Baartman, and Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, another notable overseas addition.

Like the Royals, Durban’s Super Giants have also completed their squad before the auction. Their major signing is England all-rounder Sam Curran, who switches to Durban after previously representing MI Cape Town. Curran joins a formidable squad featuring Aiden Markram, Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen, and Sunil Narine.

MI Cape Town have strengthened their batting by bringing in England all-rounder Will Jacks, who previously spent three seasons with Pretoria Capitals. Jacks now joins a squad that already includes Ryan Rickelton, Nicholas Pooran, and Kagiso Rabada. The defending champions still have six auction slots to complete, including an Under-23 player.

Pretoria Capitals have secured two marquee overseas names in Phil Salt and Australian opener Matthew Short. Salt returns to the franchise after previously starring during the league’s first two seasons, while Short is set to make his SA20 debut. They will also have explosive batters Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford, together with Proteas pacer Lungi Ngidi, in their squad. Pretoria enter the auction with five available spots.

Joburg Super Kings are expected to be among the busiest teams on auction day, with seven positions still vacant. Their headline overseas acquisition is West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who joins compatriot Akeal Hosein and England batter James Vince. JSK also retain power-hitter Donovan Ferreira and promising youngster Dian Forrester, while still holding the option of signing a Wildcard player after the auction.

Overall, all six franchises have now filled their permitted overseas pre-signing quota before the auction, leaving domestic talent to dominate the remaining player pool.

Also Read: Faf du Plessis, Kieron Pollard released by Super Kings, MI: Full list of key SA20 exits

Season 5 is shaping up to be our strongest yet – Graeme Smith

SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith believes the competition continues to attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while maintaining a strong South African core. Speaking after the squads were announced, Smith said:

“Season 5 is shaping up to be our strongest yet. Bringing in a player of Mitchell Marsh’s calibre alongside the class of Joe Root, Sam Curran and Phil Salt shows the growing pull of our league on the global stage. What excites me most is seeing that quality sit alongside the prime of South Africa’s international and domestic stars.”

Smith also pointed to the stability shown by franchises, with most teams retaining the majority of their players before the auction.

“The franchises head into the Auction with the majority of their squads already locked in, which speaks volumes about the stability and consistency we have built. This sets us up for a highly competitive Season 5.”

SA20 Season 5 Squads (SA20 2027):

Meanwhile, Season 5 of the SA20 will begin on January 17, 2027, at St George’s Park, with the tournament concluding at Newlands on February 21, 2027.