Captain Aiden Markram Parts Ways With Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Enters SA20 Auction – OneCricket

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Aiden Markram leaves Sunrisers Eastern Cape [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]
In an interesting development ahead of the SA20 2026 season, Aiden Markram, the captain who led Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back titles, has chosen to walk away from the franchise and enter the auction pool. The decision has come as a surprise, especially since the SA20 retention list was revealed on July 23.
Markram, one of the most consistent batters in the tournament’s short history, was also the third-highest run-scorer in the 2025 season, where he guided the team to a runner-up finish. 
According to ESPN Cricinfo, Aiden Markram has not been retained by Sunrisers Eastern Cape, as he has chosen to enter the auction pool. Despite being the face of the franchise as a 2-time title-winning captain, the 30-year-old has reportedly informed the franchise that he wants to test his value in the open market. 
However, this doesn’t entirely close the door on his return, as Sunrisers will still have the right-to-match (RTM) card at the auction, which means they can buy him back by matching the highest bid.
With this being the biggest auction since SA20’s inception in 2022, Markram’s decision is bound to spark a bidding war. A total of 72 slots are up for grabs across six franchises, and this year’s salary cap has been raised to around $2.31 million, giving teams more financial flexibility to go after marquee players.
Interestingly, Makram previously led the Sunrisers’ franchise in the IPL, Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, in the 2025 mega auction, he was released and got picked by Lucknow Super Giants.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape have locked in a strong core for SA20 2026, even as former captain Aiden Markram heads to the auction.  As per ESPN Cricinfo, they retained rising star Tristan Stubbs and used their wildcard to secure key all-rounder Marco Jansen. 
Big pre-signings include England’s Jonny Bairstow, Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar, and New Zealand pacer Adam Milne. They still hold the right-to-match card for Markram, keeping the door open for a possible reunion. The auction will be held on September 9.

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