The Sunrisers Eastern Cape signed Western Province batsman Daniel Smith on a rookie contract during this week’s player auction for the 2025 edition of the SA20.
Smith will be team-mates with fellow Western Province batsman David Bedingham at the Sunrisers, who have also signed England trio Richard Gleeson, Liam Dawson and Zak Crawley.
“I am super excited to be picked up at the auction. I was with my girlfriend, having a beer, watching the auction, when it happened. This is a dream come true. The Sunrisers have put together a special group of players,” said Smith.
The Sunrisers won the inaugural SA20 in 2023 and are the reigning champions after beating the Pretoria Capitals in 2024’s final.
“If you look at the teams, they are all very strong. It will be about being strong as a unit and hopefully we can win another trophy,” added Smith.
Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds, meanwhile, was acquired by the Capitals during Tuesday’s auction. Simmonds previously played for the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.
“I am excited after joining the Pretoria Capitals – it’s a move across Gauteng after being with the Super Kings last season,” said Simmonds.
“I am very excited to be with my good friend Kyle Verreynne. I was not watching the auction – I was told about my signing while in traffic on the way to my friend’s house. Hopefully we’ll see a lot of runs and wickets from the Pretoria team.”
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