Pakistani Players Shut Out of SA20 Auction
Pakistani Players Shut Out of SA20 Auction: For the second consecutive season. The burgeoning SA20 league will proceed without a single Pakistani cricketer. In a move that echoes a familiar pattern, not one of the 541 players shortlisted for the upcoming auction features talent from Pakistan, a nation renowned for its T20 prowess.
The Official Snub: A Conspicuous Absence
According to the league’s official release, the auction shortlist for the 2025-26 season is packed with 300 South African players and 241 overseas stars. High-profile names like England’s Moeen Ali and Alex Hales, and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan are all present. Yet, despite their global demand, Pakistani players are entirely absent from the roster.
The SA20 auction is scheduled for September 9 in Johannesburg, setting the stage for the third season. Which will run from December 26, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
The Root of the Exclusion: Following the IPL’s Blueprint
The most cited reason for this continued exclusion is the ownership structure of the SA20 itself. All six franchises are owned by companies that own teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- MI Cape Town (Mumbai Indians)
- Joburg Super Kings (Chennai Super Kings)
- Durban’s Super Giants (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Paarl Royals (Rajasthan Royals)
- Pretoria Capitals (Delhi Capitals)
This direct affiliation means the league appears to follow the IPL’s longstanding informal precedent of barring Pakistani players. A policy that has been in place since 2008 due to the protracted political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
Squad Rules Highlight the Missed Opportunity
The absence of Pakistani players is particularly notable given the SA20’s squad composition rules. Each franchise is permitted to sign up to seven overseas players, with a total squad size of 19. This creates numerous slots for international talent, making the systematic exclusion of an entire cricketing nation a significant talking point.
A Global Paradox for Pakistani Cricketers
This situation creates a stark paradox. Pakistani cricketers are among the most sought-after talents in T20 leagues around the globe. From the Hundred in England to the Caribbean Premier League and the Big Bash League (where scheduling is the primary barrier).
Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to its players. Indicating a willingness for them to participate. The issue, therefore, lies not with availability or willingness from the players or their board. But with the gatekeepers of the IPL-affiliated leagues.
Conclusion: More Than Just an Auction Omission
The empty column where Pakistani names should be on the SA20 auction list is more than a simple oversight. It’s a reflection of the complex intersection of geopolitics and modern sports commerce. For now, fans of the game in South Africa and beyond will be denied the chance to see some of the world’s most exciting T20 talent compete in one of its fastest-growing leagues.
What are your thoughts on the exclusion of players based on nationality? Join the conversation in the comments below.
