18-year-old Jason Rowles becomes most expensive buy at SA20 auction
Joburg Super Kings paid R2.9 million for 18-year-old Jason Rowles, making him the most expensive player at the SA20 Season 5 auction.
Eighteen-year-old all-rounder Jason Rowles became the most expensive player at the SA20 Season 5 auction after Joburg Super Kings signed him for R2.9 million, approximately Rs 1.69 crore. Rowles is still a school student completing his matriculation at St David's Marist Inanda School and has only one T20 appearance to his name.
A left-arm bowler and left-handed batter, Rowles is vice-captain of South Africa's Under-19 side. He scored 45 runs off 31 balls in the CSA T20 Challenge. Joburg Super Kings beat MI Cape Town in a bidding battle for the teenager.
The SA20 Season 5 begins on January 17, 2027, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape taking on Pretoria Capitals in the opening match. Joburg Super Kings also signed Faf du Plessis for R2.7 million and Kieron Pollard for R1.5 million at the same auction.
CricHubb Take
Rowles's price tag reflects the premium franchises now place on young South African talent that can be developed within the system. At 18 and with minimal senior experience, his valuation shows how domestic T20 leagues are betting on potential over proven performance.