As the SA20, South Africa’s premier franchise T20 cricket league, approaches its third edition from January 9 to February 8, 2025, the excitement is palpable among fans and franchises alike. With six teams competing in a double round-robin and playoff format, the stage is set for another thrilling season. However, before the action kicks off, significant decisions regarding player retention and releases have already started shaping the narrative. The rosters for the upcoming season are being meticulously crafted as teams look to build a competitive edge.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran‘s release by MI Cape Town is arguably the most talked-about decision ahead of SA20 2025. Curran, an all-rounder with immense potential, had a mixed season in 2024. He scored 157 runs from 9 innings, averaging 26.16 with a strike rate of 128.68. While these numbers are decent, they did not reflect the kind of impact expected from a player of Curran’s caliber. Additionally, Curran’s bowling figures were underwhelming, with just 6 wickets from 10 innings and an economy rate exceeding 10.
MI Cape Town’s decision to let go of Curran could be seen as an attempt to balance the squad with more economical and impactful players. In the high-stakes environment of T20 cricket, teams are constantly looking to optimize their resources, and Curran’s release might be a step in that direction. As MI Cape Town looks ahead to the new season, they will be keen to assemble a squad that can consistently perform under pressure.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt, known for his explosive batting, has been released by the Pretoria Capitals after a disappointing SA20 2024 season. Salt, who has showcased his talent in various T20 leagues around the world, failed to make a significant impact last season, scoring only 116 runs from 9 innings with a poor average of 12.88.
The Capitals’ decision to release Salt seems to be a move towards bringing in more consistent and reliable performers. T20 cricket is notoriously unforgiving for players who go through lean patches, and Salt’s release is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the fast-paced world of franchise cricket. As the Capitals prepare for the new season, they are likely looking for players who can deliver match-winning performances on a regular basis.
Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler’s release by the Paarl Royals stands out as one of the most shocking moves ahead of SA20 2025. Buttler, one of the most explosive T20 batsmen globally, was the top scorer for the Royals in the previous season, amassing 408 runs from 11 innings. With an impressive average of 40.80 and a strike rate of 143.66, Buttler was undoubtedly a key player for the team.
Despite his stellar individual performance, the Royals experienced a series of disappointing results, including five consecutive losses and a defeat in the Eliminator against the Joburg Super Kings. The decision to let go of Buttler indicates the Royals’ desire to restructure their squad and perhaps move in a new direction under the leadership of retained skipper David Miller. While the release of a player of Buttler’s caliber is surprising, it reflects the ruthless nature of franchise cricket, where team dynamics and long-term strategies often dictate tough decisions.
For more, visit JeetBuzz News to read our quality Cricket Blog updates. Explore if you want to reminisce and enjoy all of your favourite cricket players and nostalgic match moments. To ensure that you never miss out, keep updated and join in the fun!
The UP T20 League 2024 is set to be an exciting spectacle, featuring exceptional cricketing talent from Uttar Pradesh. Among the participants, five bowlers are
As England and Sri Lanka prepare to face off in the second Test at Lord’s, the series is finely poised. England secured a convincing win
The West Indies have once again proven their mettle in the T20 format, clinching yet another series victory against South Africa, making it their third