Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana failed to attract a single bid at the SA20 auction, leaving leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who signed a direct deal earlier, as the country’s only realistic hope of featuring in the South African league.
Nahid was Bangladesh’s lone name in the auction pool. Despite a growing reputation for sheer pace that has drawn attention across world cricket, none of the franchises showed interest, a result many observers had not anticipated for the young quick.
No Bangladeshi has ever played in SA20. Spinner Taijul Islam was selected by Durban’s Super Giants at last season’s auction but later pulled out, so the country’s representation has so far remained at zero heading into the fifth edition.
That is likely to change through Rishad. Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured him in a direct signing before the auction, alongside Australia’s T20 captain Mitchell Marsh. The franchise, owned by India’s Sun Group, have won three of the four titles so far.
Rishad has previous franchise experience abroad, having represented teams in the Pakistan Super League and Australia’s Big Bash. He now stands on the brink of becoming the first Bangladeshi to appear in SA20, subject to approval from his home board.
He will need a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board before he can travel. Should that be granted, Rishad will join a stacked squad including Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs and Adam Milne.
Sunrisers added Nandre Burger and Craig Overton at the auction. The tournament begins on January 17, 2027, with the final scheduled for February 21, giving Rishad’s clearance process several months to be resolved.
The costliest buy of the day was 18 year old all-rounder Jason Rall, signed by Joburg Super Kings for 2.9 million rand. The left-handed batter and left-arm spinner topped South Africa’s run charts at this year’s Under-19 World Cup.
Joburg Super Kings also picked up West Indies veteran Kieron Pollard and South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, strengthening a squad that now blends experience with the emerging talent of Rall.