Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull are among the overseas talents set to be up for grabs in the upcoming SA20 auction. Nearly 200 players, including 115 South Africans, have made it to the shortlist. However, the six franchises have only 13 vacant slots to fill.

The Paarl Royals head into the auction with the largest budget of R11.95 million, followed by MI Cape Town with R8.275 million. Pretoria Capitals come next with R4.575 million, while Joburg Super Kings have R3.925 million to spend. Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape hold R2.845 million, and Durban's Super Giants round out the list with R2.35 million remaining in their purse.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Afghan wristspinner Qais Ahmad are some of the other notable international names featured in the shortlist.

"Some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit have already signed up for season 3 and I am looking forward to see how the teams finalise their squads from this competitive auction list of players," Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner, said.

Among the South African players, Reeza Hendricks, recently released by the Super Kings, stands out as one of the most prominent names on the shortlist, alongside fellow opener Tony de Zorzi.

Each squad must comprise 19 players, including at least ten South Africans, a maximum of seven internationals, one rookie, and a wildcard selection.

The SA20 2025 auction is scheduled for October 1, with the tournament set to kick off on January 9. It will coincide with other major leagues, including Australia's Big Bash League, the UAE's ILT20, and New Zealand's Super Smash.