SA20 Auction: Top five most expensive players in the bidding event

South Africa's clarion call for a revamped domestic competition is underway as the SA20, the brand new franchise T20 league, conducted its players' auction on Monday (September 19). The six participating teams in the upcoming tournament scheduled for January next year, are owned by IPL franchises.

MI Cape Town (Reliance), Pretoria Capitals (JSW), Paarl Royals (Royals Sports Group), Durban Super Giants (RPG-Sanjiv Goenka), Johannesburg Super Kings (India Cements), Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kaviya Maran), participated in the auctions on Monday. The franchises engaged in a bidding war for players as the teams had to maneuver within the salary cap of R 34 million (USD 1.9 million approx, INR 15 crore).

Here are the top five most expensive acquisitions from the auction

*1 South African Rand = 4.50 INR 

5. Sisanda Magala - R 5.4 m (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

The viewers from the subcontinent might not be familiar with the name Sisanda Magala, but the 31-year-old has been one of the most consistent death bowlers on the continent. The experienced campaigner is an asset to any side in the world with his bowling exploits coupled with power-hitting abilities at the fag end of the innings. A solid signing for the Sunrisers-owned franchise.

4. Wayne Parnell – R 5.6 m (Pretoria Capitals)

Wayne Parnell made his comeback to the T20I squad after a hiatus of almost five years earlier this year and is looking better than ever. The 33-year-old left-arm pacer has performed consistently for the national team since his return and even bagged a five-for in his last international assignment against Ireland. He was snaffled by the Delhi Capitals-owned Pretoria Capitals for R5.6m (2.52cr approx).

3. Marco Jansen – R 6.1 m (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

The stocks of Marco Jasen have risen considerably after another scintillating display of fast bowling in the recently concluded England Test series. The left armer is a handful with the ball as he often forces the batters into a tangle with his movement off the deck. The 22-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in the world, and it is no surprise that Sunrisers Eastern Cape spent the big bucks to capture his signing.

2. Rilee Rossouw – R 6.9 m (Pretoria Capitals)

Another South African cricketer who has found a new lease of life under the new management is Rilee Rossouw. The veteran southpaw returned to the international circuit after an exile of over six years, ending his Kolpak deal. He had a prolific T20 blast earlier this year and followed up with a handsome unbeaten 96 for the Proteas in the second T20I against England in July.

1. Tristan Stubbs – R 9.2 m (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)

The man of the hour, Tristan Stubbs' purchase led to a frenzy in the auction as the young batting sensation was the most expensive pick during the inaugural SA20 player auction. Sunrisers Eastern Cape were involved in a fierce bidding war with MI Cape Town and Jo'burg Super Kings, eventually managing to snaffle the homegrown talent. The 22-year-old is a terrifying prospect for the Proteas as the youngster gave a peek at his abilities with a 28-ball 72 against England earlier this year. He was bagged for a whopping R 9.2 million (Rs 4.1 crore).