SA20 Auction Shocker: The 18-Year-Old Who Cost More Than Pollard

·
Listen to this article~4 min
SA20 Auction Shocker: The 18-Year-Old Who Cost More Than Pollard

An 18-year-old just became the most expensive player at the SA20 auction, outearning Kieron Pollard and Faf du Plessis. Here's how the bidding wars unfolded.

Four franchises walked into Johannesburg on October 7, 2026, with millions of Rand burning a hole in their pockets. They walked out with 19 squad slots filled and one very rich teenager. The Betway SA20 Season 5 Player Auction wasn't just about cricket — it was about money, nerves, and a bidding war that had everyone on the edge of their seats. ### The Kid Who Stole the Show Jason Rowles is 18 years old. He just became the most expensive player of the entire auction at R2.9 million — that's roughly $175,000 for a teenager who was playing school cricket a year ago. MI Cape Town and Joburg Super Kings went head-to-head for the Under-23 all-rounder. Back and forth. Bid after bid. In the end, JSK won, and Rowles stays in Johannesburg. Why the fuss? At the Under-19 World Cup earlier in 2026, he scored 280 runs in five innings at an average of 70 and a strike rate of 112. He also smashed a double-hundred in a Youth Test against England in Hove back in July. The kid can play. ### Joburg Super Kings: Big Names, Bigger Expectations Joburg Super Kings came into the auction with R20.6 million ($1.245 million) — the largest remaining purse of any franchise. New head coach Albie Morkel had room to work, and he used it. - **Faf du Plessis** — R2.7 million ($163,000). The former captain returns to the Wanderers after beating MI Cape Town in a bidding war. - **Kieron Pollard** — R1.5 million ($90,600). The West Indies legend went unopposed at his base price. First time he'll wear Super Kings yellow. - **Dayyaan Galiem** — R375,000 ($22,650). Local all-rounder, solid depth signing. - **Andries Gous** — R1.0 million ($60,400). USA international batter. - **Blessing Muzarabani** — R500,000 ($30,200). Zimbabwean fast bowler with genuine pace. - **Jamie Overton** — Wildcard pick. English all-rounder adds flexibility. That's a roster with experience, youth, and firepower. Morkel has to be pleased. ### MI Cape Town Builds Around Boult and Hetmyer Robin Peterson and MI Cape Town started the day with R9.35 million ($565,150). They didn't waste time. Shimron Hetmyer was the first player sold in the entire auction — R1.5 million ($90,600) to MI Cape Town. The West Indies power-hitter brings exactly what this team needs: someone who can change a game in three overs. Trent Boult came back for R1.5 million ($90,600). The New Zealand fast bowler will lead the powerplay attack, and honestly, there aren't many better in the world at swinging the new ball. Then came the fight for Wiaan Mulder. MI Cape Town outbid Joburg Super Kings and paid R2.6 million ($157,000) for the South African all-rounder. Mulder played for JSK last season, so this one stings a little for the Joburg faithful. MI Cape Town rounded out their squad with Daniel Smith and Lehan Botha, both at R200,000 ($12,080). ### What This Means for Season 5 The fifth SA20 season kicks off on January 17, 2027, in Gqeberha. And after this auction, the league looks more competitive than ever. Joburg Super Kings have a mix of veterans and a teenager who just became a millionaire in Rand terms. MI Cape Town have a bowling attack that can defend almost any total. The other franchises? They're watching, and they know the bar just got raised. One thing's clear: the SA20 isn't just surviving — it's thriving. And if an 18-year-old can command R2.9 million at auction, imagine what the cricket will look like when the season starts.

📌 Worth Reading Next