Pretoria Capitals Break SA20 Auction Record to Sign Dewald Brevis

Pretoria Capitals, coached by Sourav Ganguly, made headlines at the SA20 auction in Johannesburg by signing Dewald Brevis for a record R16.5 million ($941,000). The bidding war came down to Ganguly and Stephen Fleming, who wanted Brevis for Joburg Super Kings, but the former India captain went all the way to secure the 22-year-old.

The price shattered the previous record of R14 million paid for South Africa’s T20 captain Aiden Markram by the Durban Super Giants earlier in the day. Markram was the first player to cross the R10 million mark in the tournament’s history.

Brevis, nicknamed “Baby AB” for his batting resemblance to AB de Villiers, has become one of the most exciting young players in world cricket. He recently smashed 125 not out against Australia in Darwin, setting a South African T20 international record. Since his return to the national side, he has scored 313 runs in eight innings at an average above 50.

Ganguly backed his new signing to light up Centurion’s high-scoring ground. “He’s a tremendous talent and a game changer. That’s what you need in T20 cricket,” said Ganguly.

The third edition of the SA20 will be played from December 26 to January 25.