Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma did not receive any bids during last week’s SA20 player auction in Johannesburg.
Bavuma previously represented the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20. He didn’t play in the inaugural edition in 2023, but played in 2024 and earlier this year.
“Not surprised. Last year I also went unsold. I was speaking to my missus about it, and I thought even for me, I kind of struggle, if I put it that way, to get playing opportunities,” Bavuma told SportsBoom.
“In the last couple of years, I’ve thrown my hat into the county circuit as well. And nothing has come about there. I mean, I know that’s a different format.
“It’s red-ball cricket. But I think with the performances I’ve put in, especially in that space over the last four to five years, being one of the leading run-scorers, not just in the country, internationally, in the top five, top 10 within the International Cricket Council rankings. I guess you would think an opportunity would come from that, would come there.
“But not surprised. These opportunities are kind of hard to come by. But yeah, I’m sure it will be fun for the players who will be involved.”
Multiple other Proteas cricketers, including all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Wayne Parnell and seamers Junior Dala and Beuran Hendricks, went unsold at the latest SA20 player auction.
Season four of the SA20 is scheduled to start on 26 December. MI Cape Town are the reigning champions. The Sunrisers are the most successful team in the history of the tournament with two titles.