SA20: Six retentions per team for next season

The upcoming fourth edition of the SA20 is set for a significant overhaul, with only six player retentions or pre-signings allowed per franchise—the lowest in the league’s brief history. With this rule change, a massive 72 player slots will be up for grabs in the auction, scheduled for September 9. This represents 63% of the 108 available squad places in the six teams, for a very hotly contested bidding war between domestic and international talent.

Retention policy was shaken up, but squad composition is the same as always. Every franchise will have to feature a minimum of 11 South Africans and an open maximum of seven overseas cricketers. The salary cap has also seen a boost, rising from R39.1 million (US$2.2 million) to R41 million (US$2.31 million), making SA20 the second-highest-paying T20 league globally, behind only the IPL. Teams are also allowed to sign one wildcard player whose salary won’t count toward the cap.

A Right to Match (RTM) card will also be introduced for the first time, giving franchises the power to reclaim players who represented them in season 3 by matching the highest bid. The number of RTM cards a team gets depends on how many South African players they retain. Additionally, the rookie draft has been scrapped, and all teams must now sign a minimum of two players under the age of 23, ensuring young talent continues to receive opportunities.

New Schedule, Same Format

The SA20 will begin earlier this season, kicking off on Boxing Day and concluding by January 26. This change accommodates a packed South African international calendar and stadium upgrades in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Notably, there are no home Tests during the 2025–26 summer, allowing the domestic T20 league a clear window.

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While the timing has shifted for this season, the format remains intact. The tournament will feature six franchises and 34 matches, as in previous editions. SA20 will return to its traditional January-to-mid-February slot for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with a slightly extended playing window.