Reeza Hendricks Breaks Auction Record at SA20

In a thrilling opening half of the SA20 player auction, Proteas batsman Reeza Hendricks emerged as the star attraction, commanding a record bid of R4.3 million from MI Cape Town. The dynamic right-handed batsman, who has been named CSA T20 Player of the Year for two consecutive years, was released by the Joburg Super Kings following Season 2, where he was originally acquired for R4.5 million during the inaugural auction.

Hendricks’ impressive recent performances for the Proteas, including two back-to-back T20I half-centuries against Ireland last week in Abu Dhabi, undoubtedly influenced his high market value.

The auction saw fierce competition between MI Cape Town and the Pretoria Capitals as the bidding escalated. However, the Capitals exceeded their budget when the price hit R4.2 million, allowing MI Cape Town to secure Hendricks’ services. The 33-year-old will reunite with his Lions teammates Ryan Rickleton and Rassie van der Dussen at MI Cape Town.

Eager to make an impact, MI Cape Town also quickly acquired former Proteas batter Colin Ingram, who had spent the last two seasons with the Pretoria Capitals. Meanwhile, the Capitals continued their search for a top-order batsman, winning a bidding skirmish with the Joburg Super Kings to sign left-hander Marques Ackerman for R800,000.

Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape were relatively quiet initially but made headlines when they entered the fray for fast bowlers. They secured English pacer Richard Gleeson, previously of Durban’s Super Giants, for R2.3 million, while young talent Okuhle Cele was acquired for R175,000.

In a strategic move, the Joburg Super Kings enhanced their all-rounder lineup by signing Evan Jones and Wihan Lubbe for R175,000 each, both of whom were let go by Paarl Royals. Additionally, MI Cape Town delighted their fans by bringing local off-spinner Dane Piedt back home for R175,000.

The auction swiftly moved through its phases, with Joburg Super Kings landing New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell for R175,000. Western Province left-arm spinner Kyle Simmonds made a switch to the Pretoria Capitals for R175,000. Meanwhile, Durban’s Super Giants made a notable acquisition, landing a West Indies fast-bowling sensation for a bargain price of R425,000.