The inaugural edition of the SA20 league undoubtedly promises to be a thrilling celebration of cricket during the early part of 2023.
If the competition is to become a genuine rival to the other T20 franchise leagues worldwide it needs top-class players, and there will be plenty on show when the action gets underway.
With that in mind, we look at five hugely talented players who will be expected to shine throughout the first SA20 campaign.
Jos Buttler – Paarl Royals
The latest SA20 odds and betting rate the Paarl Royals as one of the favourites to lift the trophy and it is easy to see why they are strongly fancied to succeed.
Acquiring the services of England star Jos Buttler is a huge statement of intent and the Royals could be tough to beat with him in their line-up.
Buttler led England to the T20 World Cup title in 2022 and he boasts plenty of franchise league experience having featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the past few years.
Quinton de Kock – Durban Super Giants
Quinton De Kock’s decision to focus on his white-ball career a year ago has seen him become a much sought-after commodity in franchise competitions.
The Super Giants snapped up the 29-year-old before the September auction and their decision could be vindicated when the title is being decided.
The left-hander is devastating with the bat and will be one of the stars of the SA20 if he produces his best form for the Super Giants.
Harry Brook – Johannesburg Super Kings
Harry Brook was a regular fixture in England’s middle order as they successfully claimed the T20 World Cup crown in Australia last month.
The 23-year-old is no slouch with the bat and his attacking style is tailor-made for the unique challenges presented by T20 cricket.
He became the youngest ever centurion in the Pakistan Super League for the Lahore Qalandars earlier this year and will be keen to showcase his talent in South Africa.
Sam Curran – MI Cape Town
Sam Curran’s versatility allows him to bounce around the batting order and be effective with the ball, making him an ideal signing for any T20 franchise.
He showcased his talent to perfection in the World Cup final against Pakistan, claiming 3-12 in his four overs to secure a well-deserved man of the match award.
Curran has batted as low as number eight for England but was used at number three by the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, which gives MI Cape Town plenty of options to work with.
Tristan Stubbs – Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Sunrisers Eastern Cape pushed the boat out to sign Tristan Stubbs, bidding almost $520,000 to secure his services in the SA20 auction in September.
Stubbs announced his arrival on the international scene against England last summer, smashing their bowling attack for a plethora of boundaries during a brutal innings.
While the lofty auction price puts additional pressure on Stubbs to deliver, it would be no surprise to see him flourish with the Sunrisers.
For all our Indian readers, BD Betway has all the latest SA20 Odds and betting.
