SA20 auction: Dewald Brevis picked by Pretoria Capitals as most expensive player

South Africa batter Dewald Brevis has become the most expensive player in the SA20 auction as he was bought by Pretoria Capitals for 16.5m rand (almost £700,000).

Brevis, 22, is regarded as one of the world’s most exciting young talents and was the subject of a fierce bidding war between the Capitals, Paarl Royals, Joburg Super Kings and his former franchise, MI Cape Town.

He is currently playing for South Africa in the ongoing white-ball series against England and is in fine form having made a blistering 125 from 56 balls in a T20 against Australia in August.

Tristan Stubbs previously held the record for the most expensive player (approx. £390,000) and that number was also broken earlier in the day as there was plenty of interest in the Proteas’ all-rounder Aiden Markram, who eventually ended up with Durban Super Giants for approx. £590,000.

Capitals had the most to spend as they had only retained three players including England all-rounder Will Jacks. Under new coach Sourav Ganguly, they also added South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj and seamer Lungi Ngidi to their squad.

Other signings included former South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock and quick bowler Anrich Nortje moving to Sunrisers Eastern Cape,

541 players entered the auction for just 84 spaces, with 25 of those available for overseas players.

England batter Jordan Cox went unsold in the first round of bids but could get picked up later in the auction.

The fourth edition of the tournament will take place between 26 December and 26 January. It is an earlier time slot than previous tournaments to avoid a clash with the T20 World Cup in February and March.