CAPE TOWN – Despite a pool of 28 West Indian cricketers putting their names forward, only Gudakesh Motie and Brandon King emerged from Tuesday’s 2025/26 SA20 auction with contracts in hand.
The results underscored the stiff competition for overseas slots in South Africa’s premier T20 franchise league, which begins its fourth season on December 26, 2025.
Motie and King break through
The spotlight first fell on Gudakesh Motie, the crafty left-arm spinner who has become a reliable figure in the West Indies setup. He was snapped up by the Paarl Royals for R375,000 (US$21,437.41).
Explosive opener Brandon King, known for his ability to shift gears at the top of the order, also secured his place in the tournament. He was drafted by the Joburg Super Kings for R200,000 (US$11,435.62).
For the rest of the Caribbean hopefuls, however, the auction floor yielded only disappointment.=
Familiar faces return through pre-signings
While the draft proved lean, West Indian representation in the SA20 remains significant thanks to earlier acquisitions.
Nicholas Pooran will feature for MI Cape Town, secured as a pre-signing; The Joburg Super Kings locked in left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein before the auction; Sherfane Rutherford was added by the Pretoria Capitals in similar fashion; Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine was confirmed for Durban’s Super Giants; Power-hitter Andre Russell will also appear in Capitals’ colors after being named a wild card selection.
Together, this core ensures the Caribbean will not go unrepresented when the league ignites South African stadiums later this year.
Caribbean stars still in demand
Though only two West Indians made the cut at auction, the enduring presence of marquee names like Pooran, Narine, and Russell highlights the region’s ongoing value to the T20 franchise circuit. For Motie and King, their breakthrough reflects both their recent form and their ability to fill key tactical roles for their franchises.
