The inaugural season finalist Pretoria Capitals will make another move for the coveted SA20 title as the league kicks off its third season on Thursday, 9 January 2025. The Capitals had a stellar run in the first edition, finishing atop the league stage by winning seven of their 10 matches. However, they fell short in the final, losing to Sunrisers Eastern Cape by four wickets in a low-scoring thriller.
Last season, however, proved disappointing for the Pretoria-based side. The sister franchise of the Delhi Capitals from the IPL missed out on the playoffs, finishing fifth in the six-team tournament with only three wins in the league stage.
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Determined to turn their fortunes around, the Capitals will begin their campaign for the 2025 edition against Durban’s Super Giants at Kingsmead on Friday, 10 January 2025.
Leadership changes for the new campaign
For the 2025 season, the Pretoria Capitals have appointed South African batter Rilee Rossouw as their new captain. Rossouw replaces Wayne Parnell, who remains an integral part of the squad.
Adding further experience to their setup, the Capitals have brought in Jonathan Trott, the former England batter and current Afghanistan head coach, as their head coach. Trott replaces Graham Ford at the helm and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team.
New additions & SA20 auction
The Pretoria Capitals have made notable additions to their squad, including England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and West Indies power-hitter Evin Lewis.
Before the auction, they pre-signed young Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and English top-order batter Will Smeed, signaling their intent to build a dynamic and balanced squad.
In the SA20 auction, they secured three more players: Evin Lewis for ZAR 1,500,000, South African batter Marques Ackerman for ZAR 800,000, and Kyle Simmonds, a bowling all-rounder, for ZAR 175,000.
The Capitals later picked Livingstone as their wildcard selection, further bolstering their squad’s all-round capabilities.
Pretoria Capitals Squad for SA20 2025
- Batters & Wicketkeepers: Rilee Rossouw (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Smeed, Evin Lewis, Marques Ackerman, Kyle Verreynne
- All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Jimmy Neesham, Senuran Muthusamy, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Steve Stolk
- Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Daryn Dupavillon, Eathan Bosch, Migael Pretorius, Kyle Simmonds, Tiaan van Vuuren
Pretoria Capitals SA20 Records
- 2023: Runners-up
- 2024: 5th in league stage
With a revamped leadership, strategic signings, and renewed ambition, Pretoria Capitals aim to return to their former glory and secure their maiden SA20 title in the 2025 season.
