SA20 Auction 2025: Sunrisers Eastern Cape Complete Squad, Most Expensive Player, Foreign Players

The SA20 Auction 2025 saw Sunrisers Eastern Cape making significant moves to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. The highlight of their bidding was securing England's fast bowler Richard Gleeson for R2.3 million, making him their most expensive acquisition.

Gleeson, with his wealth of experience across global T20 leagues, is expected to play a pivotal role in Eastern Cape's bowling attack. Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the defending champions of the previous season, will look to continue their momentum from their victorious campaign.

The team had an outstanding run last season, clinching the title with a dominant performance in the final, and they have now strengthened their lineup with a combination of local and foreign talent.

SA20 Auction 2025: Sunrisers Eastern Cape Players Bought at Auction

During the auction, Sunrisers Eastern Cape acquired several key players. Alongside Richard Gleeson, they picked Okuhle Cele for R175K, adding to their bowling depth. Additionally, they signed young Daniel Smith as a rookie, a promising talent who will be looking to make an impact in his debut season.

Key foreign acquisitions include England’s opener Zak Crawley, Netherlands’ allrounder Roelof van der Merwe, and England’s fast bowler Craig Overton. Crawley, who will make his SA20 debut, is known for his aggressive strokeplay and will add firepower to the Sunrisers' top order. Van der Merwe, returning to the team, was instrumental in Sunrisers' previous success, including a stellar performance in the 2023 final.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape Signings:

Okuhle Cele - R175 000
Richard Gleeson - R2.3 million
Zak Crawley (England)
Craig Overton (England)
Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands)
David Bedingham (South Africa)

SA20 Auction 2025: Sunrisers Eastern Cape Retained Players

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape retained a core group of 12 players, including captain Aiden Markram, who will continue to lead the side, and young talents like Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen. However, former South African T20 captain Temba Bavuma and bowler Sisanda Magala were not retained ahead of the upcoming season.

SA20 Auction 2025: Sunrisers Eastern Cape Complete Squad

Sunrisers Eastern Cape Squad:

Aiden Markram
Zak Crawley (England)
Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands)
Liam Dawson (England)
Ottneil Baartman
Marco Jansen
Beyers Swanepoel
Caleb Seleka
Tristan Stubbs
Jordan Hermann
Patrick Kruger
Craig Overton (England)
Tom Abell (England)
Simon Harmer
Andile Simelane
David Bedingham
Okuhle Cele (R175K)
Richard Gleeson (R2.3 million)
Daniel Smith (rookie)

With a mix of experienced international stars and young South African talent, Sunrisers Eastern Cape look poised to defend their SA20 title in the upcoming 2025 season.