Brevis Smashes SA20 Record As Pretoria Capitals Win R16.5m Bidding War

Dewald Brevis is now the most expensive player in SA20 history after Pretoria Capitals outbid rivals in a late surge at the Season 4 auction in Johannesburg. The record Rand 16.5 million hammer price capped a frenetic session that also saw Aiden Markram briefly hold the mark at R14 million before Brevis’ deal eclipsed it. With a bigger cap and deeper pools, SA20’s financial muscle—second only to the IPL—was on full display.

Why Brevis Went For A Premium

Brevis arrives with box-office power, local conditions know‑how, and a breakout IPL stint for Chennai that re-affirmed his range against pace and spin. He offers instant impact up top and the ability to shift gears through the middle, exactly the profile teams prize on South African pitches under lights. Add his age and upside, and franchises were willing to pay for the full cycle, not just this season.

Inside The Bidding Battle

The headline fight pitted Joburg Super Kings against Pretoria Capitals, with the price racing past the previous high set earlier in the evening for Markram. Pretoria, armed with one of the largest remaining purses, stayed aggressive and sealed Brevis at R16.5m. It was a statement buy from a side reshaping its core and intent on adding match‑winners who move the needle from ball one.

League Mechanics And Money

SA20 set out a salary cap of US$2.31 million per team, with a combined auction spend north of US$7 million across 84 open slots. Squads must carry 19 players, including at least two South African U23s, a minimum of nine locals, and up to seven overseas names, with a Wildcard slot for late flexibility. The structure encourages balance: premium stars at the top, value picks through the middle, and room to reward emerging domestic talent.

What Pretoria Capitals Are Building

With a large purse and a refreshed brains trust led by Sourav Ganguly and Shaun Pollock, Pretoria targeted power, versatility, and a stronger identity at the top of the order. Brevis fits the brief: a marquee local draw who also stretches opposition match‑ups. Expect the Capitals to ring-fence overs around him—trusted anchor support on one side, licensed finishers on the other.

Other Big Moves And Themes

• Aiden Markram’s with R 14 million move to Durban Super Giants underlined the premium on leadership hitters who can double as tactical anchors.

• Defending champions MI Cape Town navigated with one of the smaller remaining purses, leaning on a core loaded with international pedigree.

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape stayed disciplined as two‑time champions, spreading spend to keep depth across pace, spin, and late‑order power.

Season Timeline: What’s Next

The auction wrapped in Johannesburg with final squads to be confirmed ahead of the festive‑season first ball on December 26. Pre‑signings, retentions, and Wildcards have already set much of the skeleton; the auction layered in the game‑breakers and glue pieces. From here, pre‑season camps and warm‑ups will shape role clarity before the Boxing Day fireworks begin.

Top Two SA20 Bids (Season 4)