The Betway SA20 is gearing up for its fourth season with significant changes that promise a thrilling and competitive tournament. The player auction for Season 4 is scheduled for September 9, 2025, in Johannesburg, marking a crucial event where teams will finalize their squads. This year, the SA20 has become the T20 league with the highest salary cap outside of India, making it an attractive destination for cricketers worldwide.
One of the most notable changes is the increased salary cap, which now stands at a substantial R41 million per team. This marks a significant rise from the R34 million in the inaugural season and surpasses the salary caps of other major T20 leagues, excluding the Indian Premier League (IPL). This substantial financial boost underscores the league's growth and its commitment to attracting top-tier talent.
With the auction date drawing closer, a considerable reshuffling of players is expected. Each team can retain a maximum of six players, including no more than three international and three South African players. This restriction means that at least 72 player slots will be up for grabs during the auction, presenting ample opportunities for both established stars and emerging talents to find a place in the league.
A strategic innovation introduced this season is the Right to Match (RTM) card. This allows franchises to match the highest bid for a player who was part of their squad in the previous season, enabling them to retain familiar faces and maintain team stability. The number of RTM cards a team can use depends on the number of South African players they retain before the auction, adding another layer of tactical decision-making to the process.
In addition to the RTM card, teams will have the opportunity to sign one "wildcard" player, whose salary will not count towards the team's overall salary cap. This provides additional flexibility to secure high-impact players without exceeding budget limitations, enhancing the potential for surprise signings and strategic squad enhancements.
The SA20 is also committed to developing young talent within South Africa. The previous "Rookie Draft" has been replaced with a new rule requiring each team to include a minimum of two players under the age of 23 in their final 19-player squad. This change aims to provide young cricketers with greater opportunities to showcase their skills and gain experience in a high-profile league.
The squad composition rules remain largely consistent. Each team can have a maximum of 7 overseas players and must include a minimum of 11 South African players in their 18-player squad, emphasizing the league's focus on promoting local talent.
Richard Madley, a seasoned auctioneer known for his involvement in both SA20 and IPL auctions, will once again preside over the proceedings. The auction will be broadcast live on SuperSport and the SA20 YouTube channel, ensuring widespread coverage and real-time updates across social media platforms.
The fourth season of the SA20 is scheduled to begin on December 26, 2025, during the festive season. This timing aims to capitalize on the holiday period, offering cricket fans an exciting dose of T20 action. With its increased salary cap, strategic innovations like the RTM card, and focus on youth development, SA20 is poised to deliver a compelling and high-quality cricket tournament.
