The SA20 Player Auction has taken place and produced several notable discussion points, with views from several key stakeholders in South African cricket. Super Giants wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen had words of advice for record-signing Dewald Brevis, Pretoria Capitals Head Coach Sourav Ganguly spoke about his team’s new acquisition, and League Commissioner Graeme Smith reflected on the growth and seriousness of the league. Klaasen emphasized the auction price for Brevis represents his past success and ultimately should not represent pressure for the future. He also indicated the sport is about ups and downs and new players must use the opportunity within the SA20 to show their ability with confidence.

“It’s important for Brevis to remember that the price tag he’s earned is because of what he’s already achieved, not what he still has to do. In this game, you can train as hard as you want and still get out on the first ball; that’s just part of the job. The price reflects his past performances, his work ethic, and the many boxes he’s ticked along the way, all of which give him the best chance to succeed,” said Klaasen.

“Over the next three years, I don’t see his team releasing him, so this period is about building towards the next auction and showing what more he can bring. But ultimately, that big price tag is a reward for his past performances and the potential everyone knows he has,” Klaasen added.

Ganguly on Brevis for SA20’s Rise

Pretoria Capitals Head Coach Sourav Ganguly compared SA20’s growing stature to the IPL, highlighting the value of domestic players in franchise cricket. “As you’ve seen in the IPL, domestic players hold immense value, and it’s the same across world cricket, including here in South Africa. It was expected that players like Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis would attract big bids given their availability and the number of retentions. Brevis is an exciting talent; his game has improved, and we saw that against Australia in the recent series. In auctions, though, money isn’t always a reflection of a player’s quality; it comes down to supply and demand. We’re delighted to have Brevis with us. The Centurion offers a good wicket, and I’m sure he will enjoy playing there,” Ganguly said.

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“There’s also a lot of talent coming out of that region, which I wasn’t fully aware of before this auction. We’ve received excellent feedback about Brevis from both the MI setup and the South African team. He’s young, and someone we’re looking at as a long-term asset, just like Connor Esterhuizen and some of the exciting young fast bowlers, including a 19-year-old, Bayanda Majola, who is rated very highly. These players will only get better with time. As a franchise, we look at the bigger picture, and we’re very happy to have secured Brevis,” he concluded.