The Joburg Super Kings have signed Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheehsa Pathirana for the 2025 edition of the SA20.
The Super Kings acquired Lions all-rounder Evan Jones, North West captain Wihan Lubbe, New Zealand seamer Doug Bracewell and the Warriors’ JP King during Tuesday’s player auction.
On Wednesday, they completed the 19-player squad with the addition of Pathirana. He has played 12 ODIs and 12 T20Is since debuting in international cricket in 2022 – and represented the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
“I think all six teams look very strong,” said SA20 league commissioner Graeme Smith.
“From a league perspective we want to see all six squads competitive. It’s a nice mix of some quality South Africans and superb international names that have joined us for season three.
“As a cricket competition we want to see the South African players get stronger every year. We have seen the success of the Indian Premier League and the number of players that can be picked for India.
“I think we saw that progression last year with the likes of Ottneil Baartman. He had a great T20 World Cup, and we are starting to see those type of players come through.
“I don’t think South African cricket has seen an event where there is so much quality cricket in a month period. If you think about the contests that are going to unfold in these six teams, it’s something that’s going to be unmatched.”
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the reigning SA20 champions. They beat the Pretoria Capitals in the 2024 final. The 2025 SA20 will start on 9 January, when the Sunrisers play MI Cape Town.