The CSA T20 League is South Africa’s very own franchise-based T20 league. At the moment, it looks like the first edition of the tournament would happen at the start of 2023. Being a domestic league, it is inevitable that the homegrown players walk away with top bids. As per various reports, the league will follow IPL’s auction model for the franchises to hire cricketers. There is also the possibility of franchises signing players outside the auction. On that note, here, we take a look at five South African cricketers who would become the most expensive in the CSA T20 League Auction.
1) David Miller
The most capped cricketer in the history of South African T20I cricket till now, Miller will be chased by multiple teams in the league. Although he went through a brief lean period, after IPL 2022, he is back to form.
Miller fulfils one of the toughest spots to fill in a T20 XI – a left-handed option in the middle order. The southpaw is excellent in this role and therefore, he will be a top buy. Apart from this, Miller also comes in with loads of T20 experience and will surely be the top captaincy contender for the team that he gets picked by. These factors make him the likely most expensive cricketer for the first edition of the CSA T20 League.
2) Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock is one of the South African cricketers who would become the most expensive in the CSA T20 League Auction. The cricketer recently retired from Tests, leaving him very committed to the shorter formats, especially the T20s.
A solid left-handed opener, one of the best wicket-keepers in the country and the experience of playing more than 60 T20I encounters. He is also the former skipper of the country on top of it. QDK’s resume is impressive and will be a highly sought player in the league.
3) Aiden Markram
Right now, Aiden Markram is the highest-ranked batter for South Africa in T20Is. He is also the highest-ranked all-rounder for the country in the shortest format of the game. The right-hander is in terrific form and is an ideal player to build the franchise around.
With a calm head on his shoulders, Aiden could also work as a captain. He can play in various batting positions and this flexibility offers a great deal of value to a T20 squad. Therefore, he is likely to be targeted by many franchises.
4) Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is also one of the South African cricketers who would become the most expensive in the CSA T20 League Auction. Arguably the most experienced pacer in the country, Rabada is a marquee cricketer in the league.
He can bowl in various phases of the innings and has the knack of collecting wickets frequently. The player might not have captained a lot before but he surely can do a good job if he is given the opportunity.
5) Anrich Nortje
The face of the bowling attack has to be very impactful for a T20 XI. This player alone has to be able to win games single-handedly for the squad. Anrich Nortje is one such cricketer.
In the “Jasprit Bumrah” mould for South Africa, it would be a massive surprise if Nortje does not end up as one of the highest-paid players after the league. He already earns a top buck in IPL and the same owners could hire him again.
