SA20 2027: Mitchell Marsh Joins Sunrisers Eastern Cape as Franchises Finalize Pre-Auction Squads

Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape have strengthened their squad ahead of the fifth season of the SA20 by signing Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who is set to make his debut in South Africa's premier franchise T20 competition.

Marsh joins an already formidable line-up featuring Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs and Adam Milne. The Eastern Cape franchise has established itself as the most successful team in SA20 history, winning three of the tournament's four editions.

The 2027 SA20 season will begin on January 17, with a mini-auction scheduled for October 7. A total of 20 player slots remain available across four franchises, while Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals have already completed their 19-player squads. Each team can include a maximum of seven overseas players and must have at least two players under the age of 23.

Among the notable omissions from this year's retained and pre-signed squads are former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, veteran spinner Imran Tahir, Rassie van der Dussen, Kieron Pollard and Trent Boult.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape Add Marsh and Rishad Hossain

Sunrisers Eastern Cape have retained the core of their title-winning squad, with Tristan Stubbs continuing as captain and Marco Jansen spearheading the bowling attack.

In addition to Marsh, the franchise has signed Bangladesh leg-spinning all-rounder Rishad Hossain, who impressed during the 2024 T20 World Cup with 14 wickets, matching Rashid Khan's tally. Hossain replaces Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar, who is absent from this season's competition.

The champions currently have two squad spots remaining before the auction.

Pretoria Capitals Bring Back Phil Salt

Last season's runners-up, Pretoria Capitals, have retained explosive batter Dewald Brevis and welcomed back England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, who represented the franchise during its first two seasons.

Australian all-rounder Matthew Short has also been added, while promising 19-year-old fast bowler Bayanda Majola joins after an impressive Under-19 World Cup campaign. The Capitals parted ways with Jordan Cox, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and several other players, leaving five spots to be filled at the auction.

Paarl Royals Complete Squad

Paarl Royals have finalized their squad ahead of the auction, highlighted by the return of England Test captain Joe Root. However, Root's participation is expected to be limited due to England's tour of Bangladesh.

The Royals also retained a strong overseas contingent, including Sikandar Raza, Gudakesh Motie and Azmatullah Omarzai, while Under-19 fast bowler JJ Basson has been added to bolster the pace attack.

With 19 players confirmed, Paarl Royals will not participate in the player auction.

Joburg Super Kings Enter New Era

Joburg Super Kings are set for a significant transition after appointing Albie Morkel as head coach following Stephen Fleming's departure.

The biggest talking points are the exclusions of long-time captain Faf du Plessis and veteran spinner Imran Tahir, both of whom had been integral to the franchise since the inaugural season.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder returns to the SA20 after previously representing Durban's Super Giants, while Leus du Plooy has also joined the squad. With seven vacancies remaining, Joburg is expected to target fast bowlers after releasing Nandre Burger, Reece Topley and Wiaan Mulder.

Durban's Super Giants Make Minimal Changes

Durban's Super Giants have opted for continuity, making only three changes to their squad while completing all 19 roster spots before the auction.

England all-rounder Sam Curran headlines the new arrivals after previously playing for MI Cape Town. Devon Conway and Kyle Simmonds also join the squad, replacing David Wiese, Noor Ahmad and Dayyaan Galiem.

The franchise will once again rely on a star-studded core featuring Heinrich Klaasen, captain Aiden Markram, Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine, Liam Livingstone and Kane Williamson.

MI Cape Town Face Major Rebuild

After finishing bottom of the table last season, MI Cape Town have begun a significant rebuild by releasing several experienced campaigners.

Rassie van der Dussen, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult and Dwaine Pretorius are among the high-profile departures. England all-rounder Will Jacks is the franchise's only confirmed new signing so far, leaving six vacancies to be filled during the mini-auction.

With key players such as Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Kagiso Rabada and Ryan Rickelton retained, MI Cape Town will be aiming for a stronger showing in the upcoming season.

As the October 7 mini-auction approaches, franchises with remaining vacancies will look to strengthen their squads in preparation for another highly competitive SA20 campaign beginning on January 17.