The SA20, South Africa's premier T20 cricket league, is making headlines with the announcement of a record-breaking salary cap for its upcoming fourth season. Set to commence on December 26, 2025, and concluding on January 25, 2026, the league is generating significant buzz, especially with the player auction scheduled for September 9, 2025, in Johannesburg. This season promises to be the most exciting yet, with a substantial increase in the salary cap, strategic innovations, and a focus on nurturing young talent.
The most significant change for SA20 Season 4 is the unprecedented salary cap of R41 million (USD 2.3 million) per team. This is the highest salary cap for any T20 league outside of the Indian Premier League (IPL), underscoring SA20's growing prominence in the global cricket landscape. The increased budget provides franchises with greater financial flexibility to acquire marquee players, both international and local, and bolster their squads with impactful talent. This move is expected to intensify the competition among teams and elevate the overall quality of cricket on display.
Adding a new layer of strategic complexity to the auction, SA20 introduces Right to Match (RTM) cards for the first time. These cards empower franchises to retain players from their Season 3 roster by matching the highest bid made by another team. The number of RTM cards a team possesses will depend on the number of South African players they retain before the auction. This innovation allows teams to maintain continuity and retain key players who have contributed to their success in previous seasons, fostering team cohesion and fan loyalty.
SA20 remains committed to developing young South African talent. Replacing the previous rookie draft, Season 4 mandates that each team include a minimum of two Under-23 players in their final 19-player squads. This initiative ensures that young, promising cricketers receive opportunities to showcase their skills on a prominent platform, accelerating their development and contributing to the future of South African cricket. An Under-23 player is defined as a South African player aged 22 or younger as of December 25, 2025.
Each team will consist of 19 players, including a "Wildcard" pick. Of the standard 18 players, a maximum of 7 can be overseas players, while at least 11 must be South African. The Wildcard player can be either a South African or an international player, and their salary will not count towards the team's overall salary cap. The deadline for Wildcard selections is December 21, 2025. This provides teams with an additional avenue to acquire high-impact players without budgetary constraints.
Ahead of the auction, franchises can retain or pre-sign a maximum of six players, with a limit of three overseas and three South African players. This means that at least 72 player slots will be up for grabs at the auction, creating ample opportunities for both established stars and emerging talents to find a place in the league. The auction will be conducted by the experienced Richard Madley, known for his engaging style.
The Season 4 auction is expected to be a highly competitive event, with teams vying for the best talent available. With approximately 60% of player slots needing to be filled, strategic planning and shrewd bidding will be crucial for franchises to build competitive squads. The introduction of RTM cards, the increased salary cap, and the focus on Under-23 players add further intrigue to the auction dynamics, promising an exciting and unpredictable event.
The SA20 Season 4 auction on September 9 will be broadcast live on SuperSport and the SA20 YouTube Channel, with comprehensive coverage across all of the league's social media platforms. This event marks a major milestone in the lead-up to the season, which is set to captivate cricket fans during the festive season. With its increased salary cap, innovative rules, and commitment to developing young talent, SA20 is poised to solidify its position as one of the world's leading T20 cricket leagues.
