The CSA T20 Challenge 2026, officially the Pro20 Cup 2026-27, began on 25 September 2026 and ends with the final on 14 November. Sixteen teams across two pools play 71 matches, with Warriors, Titans, Lions, Dolphins and South Africa Emerging among the sides to watch.
This guide lists every squad, from Limpopo Impalas to Garden Route Badgers, with batters, bowlers, all-rounders, captains, wicketkeepers and SA20 links. Use it to follow the players shaping the new combined competition.
CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Teams List and Pools
All 16 teams are listed below. Some squads use franchise style names, so the table also shows the provincial name used in the pool draw.
| Pool A | Provincial Name in Draw | Pool B | Provincial Name in Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | Warriors | Titans | Titans |
| North West Dragons | North West | Western Province | Western Province |
| Northern Cape Heat | Northern Cape | Mpumalanga Rhinos | Mpumalanga |
| Eastern Cape Iinyathi | Border | Knights | Knights |
| Dolphins | Dolphins | South Africa Emerging | South Africa Emerging |
| Lions | Lions | Tuskers | KwaZulu-Natal Inland Tuskers |
| Limpopo Impalas | Limpopo | Rocks | Boland |
| Garden Route Badgers | South Western Districts | Eastern Storm | Eastern Storm |
CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Squad Sizes by Team
The CSA T20 Challenge 2026 features eight teams with squads built for the tournament’s demanding T20 schedule. Here is a team-wise look at the squad sizes and player numbers.
| Team | Batters | Bowlers | All-rounders | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limpopo Impalas | 8 | 5 | 6 | 19 |
| Warriors | 4 | 5 | 7 | 16 |
| North West Dragons | 4 | 4 | 9 | 17 |
| Eastern Cape Iinyathi | 4 | 3 | 7 | 14 |
| Northern Cape Heat | 4 | 2 | 9 | 15 |
| Western Province | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
| Dolphins | 8 | 5 | 6 | 19 |
| Lions | 10 | 5 | 4 | 19 |
| Mpumalanga Rhinos | 4 | 6 | 4 | 14 |
| Knights | 9 | 6 | 6 | 21 |
| Titans | 8 | 8 | 5 | 21 |
| South Africa Emerging | 9 | 5 | 10 | 24 |
| Tuskers | 6 | 4 | 9 | 19 |
| Rocks | 7 | 5 | 6 | 18 |
| Eastern Storm | 10 | 2 | 3 | 15 |
| Garden Route Badgers | 7 | 3 | 8 | 18 |
Pool A Squads: CSA T20 Challenge 2026
1. Warriors Squad
The Warriors won the last Division 1 T20 Challenge. Their group is heavy on all-rounders, with seven in the squad.
- Batters: Matthew de Villiers, Sibonelo Makhanya, Jean du Plessis (wk), Jordan Hermann
- Bowlers: Beuran Hendricks, Wesley Bedja, Duanne Olivier, Gideon Peters, Kerwin Mungroo
- All-rounders: Thomas Kaber, JP King, Patrick Kruger, Matthew Boast, Modiri Litheko, Andile Mokgakane, Muhammad Manack
2. North West Dragons Squad
The Dragons carry nine all-rounders, the biggest all-rounder group in Pool A.
- Batters: Ludwich Schuld, Meeka-Eel Prince, Rubin Hermann, Ruan de Swardt (wk)
- Bowlers: Caleb Seleka, Daryn Dupavillon, Alfred Mothoa, Mthiwekhaya Nabe
- All-rounders: Wihan Lubbe, Dian Forrester, Lesiba Ngoepe, Onke Nyaku, Diego Rosier, Jade de Klerk, Juan James, Paul James, Lutendo Tsanwani
3. Northern Cape Heat Squad
Northern Cape Heat named only two specialist bowlers. They lean on nine all-rounders to share the load.
- Batters: Steve Stolk, Nonelela Yikha, Orapeleng Motlhoaring, Gerhardus Jacobus Maree (wk)
- Bowlers: Charl Prinsloo, Johan van Dyk
- All-rounders: Odirile Modimokoane, Kyle Jacobs, Tshepo Ntuli, Blake Simpson, Romano Terblanche, Tahir Isaacs, Ruan van Rooyen, Jordan Neil, Liam Conor Doherty
4. Eastern Cape Iinyathi Squad
Eastern Cape Iinyathi play under the Border banner in the pool draw. Jerome Bossr is marked as captain in the squad listing.
- Batters: Nathan Roux, Riley Miller, Jerome Bossr (c), Mncedisi Malika (wk)
- Bowlers: Kgaudisa Molefe, Sithembile Langa, Thando Ntini
- All-rounders: Christiaan du Toit, Jason Niemand, Michael Copeland, Ayabulela Gqamane, Hardus Coetzer, Alindile Mhletywa, Jan Hendrick Coetzer
5. Dolphins Squad
The Dolphins have a deep batting group of eight, headed by David Miller. Their bowling attack is built around Okuhle Cele and Nqobani Mokoena.
- Batters: Jason Smith, Khaya Zondo, Grant Roelofsen, Joshua Richards, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Gomolemo Phiri, Marques Ackerman, David Miller
- Bowlers: Okuhle Cele, Nqobani Mokoena, Keith Dudgeon, Tristan Luus, Buyanda Majola
- All-rounders: Prenelan Subrayen, Andile Simelane, Bryce Parsons, Romashan Pillay, Semal Pillay, Sean Murray Gilson
6. Lions Squad
The Lions have the biggest batting list in the competition with ten names, including two wicketkeepers. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen lead a star-studded order.
- Batters: Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Richard Seletswane, Wandile Makwetu, Dominic Hendricks, Delano Potgieter, Quinton de Kock (wk), Neil Timmers
- Bowlers: Nqaba Peter, Siya Plaatjie, Bjorn Fortuin, Lutho Sipamla, Gerald Coetzee
- All-rounders: Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Ethan Yusuf, Wiaan Mulder, Jacob Basson
7. Limpopo Impalas Squad
Limpopo Impalas are listed under their province name in the draw. Leus du Plooy appears in both this squad and the Titans list (see the accuracy note at the end).
- Batters: Atwell Mokgoloboto, Shelton Ngobeni, Thomas Mayes, Keenan Vieira, Raynard van Tonder, Lukas van Rensburg, Tylor Trenoweth, Leus du Plooy
- Bowlers: Marcello Piedt, Liam Peters, Patoona Maphekgola, Lesego Kokohlabana, Irvin Modimokoane
- All-rounders: Ernest Kemm, Abdullah Bayoumy, Don Radebe, CP Klijnhans, Kyle Adrian Landsberg, Ximus du Plooy
8. Garden Route Badgers Squad
The Badgers represent South Western Districts in the pool draw. Andile Phehlukwayo is the most experienced name among their eight all-rounders.
- Batters: Benjamin Hansen, Modise Maloka, Banele Cele, Janneman Malan, Nhlakanipho Mpungose, Nathan Engelbrecht, Yaseen Valli
- Bowlers: Liam Alder, Enathi Kitshini, Jade Richter
- All-rounders: Leo Sadler, Zack Momberg, Slade van Staden, Pheko Moletsane, Ross Coetzee, Regan Rhode, Tyrese Karelse, Andile Phehlukwayo
Pool B Squads: CSA T20 Challenge 2026
1. Titans Squad
The Titans have the most balanced large squad, with eight batters and eight bowlers. Tabraiz Shamsi and Dewald Brevis are the headline names.
- Batters: Rivaldo Moonsamy, Keegan Petersen (wk), Sinethemba Qeshile, Dewald Brevis, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Tshepang Dithole, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Leus du Plooy
- Bowlers: Tabraiz Shamsi, Duan Jansen, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Junior Dala, Eathan Bosch, Aphiwe Mnyanda, Janco Smit, Esosa Aihevba
- All-rounders: Evan Jones, Dayyaan Galiem, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Donovan Ferreira, Beyers Swanepoel
2. Western Province Squad
Western Province have a seven-man bowling group led by Nandre Burger. Daniel Smith keeps wicket.
- Batters: Joshua van Heerden, Valentine Kitime, Bongi Mfunelwa, Daniel Smith (wk), Edward Moore, Jiveshan Pillay
- Bowlers: Josh Breed, Asakhe Tshaka, Dane Paterson, Mbulelo Dube, Nandre Burger, Tshepo Moreki, Kashief Joseph
- All-rounders: George Linde, Kyle Simmonds, Mihlali Mpongwana, Oliver Whitehead, Raeeq Daniels, Jody Terence Lawrence, Waco Bassick
3. Mpumalanga Rhinos Squad
The Rhinos have one of the smallest squads at 14 players. Six bowlers give them a pace-heavy look.
- Batters: Karabo Mogotsi, Garnett Tarr (wk), Ruben du Toit, Tetelo Maphaka
- Bowlers: Benjamin van Niekerk, Yassar Cook, Jon Henry Hinrichsen, Bryn Brokensha, Ricus Kramm, Themba Maupa
- All-rounders: Muhammed Mayet, Zakir Ahmed Kathrada, Thabile Hlatuka, Nhlanhla Dlamini
4. Knights Squad
The Knights name 21 players, with Dane Piedt and Junaid Dawood leading the spin options. Ruan Haasbroek is the listed wicketkeeper.
- Batters: Isaac Dikgale, Ruan Haasbroek (wk), George van Heerden, Wian Ruthven, Lesego Senokwane, Seth Flerdermaus, Gihahn Cloete, Ruben Maree, Jonathan Bird
- Bowlers: Dane Piedt, Junaid Dawood, Malusi Siboto, Emmanuel Motswiri, Nico van Zyl, Nealan van Heerden
- All-rounders: Jacques Snyman, Cole Abrahams, Tiaan van Vuuren, Ntandoyenkosi Soni, Mbongiseni Mhlanga, Ross Boast
5. South Africa Emerging Squad
South Africa Emerging have the largest squad at 24 players. Jorich van Schalkwyk is marked as captain, and Ntando Zuma is the listed wicketkeeper.
- Batters: Ntando Zuma (wk), Jorich van Schalkwyk (c), David Teeger, Adnaan Lagadien, Armaan Manack, Kamo Phiri, Ombesa Matsha, Vihan Pretorius, Tiaan Brits
- Bowlers: Sipho Potsane, Morteza Manack, Ryall Julies, Jaydon Brooker, Ayabonga Tongo
- All-rounders: Schalk Engelbrecht, Daniel Bosman, Divan de Villiers, Bandile Mbatha, Jason Rowles, Corne Botha, Dayalan Boyce, Zakwan Patel, Lleyton Troskie, Zizi Mkhize
6. Tuskers Squad
The Tuskers play as KwaZulu-Natal Inland Tuskers in the draw. Nine all-rounders, including Malcolm Nofal and Jack Lees, form the core.
- Batters: Ludwig Kaestner, Cameron Dean Shekleton, Liyema Waqu, Muhammed Bulbulia, Joshua van Biljon, Matthew Urquhart
- Bowlers: Parth Patel, Bamanye Xenxe, Thabiso Ndlela, Jesse Albanie
- All-rounders: Michael Erlank, Malcolm Nofal, Jack Lees, Chad Laycock, Ziyaad Abrahams, Kagiso Rapulana, Daelen Fynn, Gareth Dukes, Thandolwami Ndlovu
7. Rocks Squad
The Rocks represent Boland in the pool draw. Lizaad Williams and Glenton Stuurman are the best-known bowlers.
- Batters: Gavin Kaplan, Ethan Cunningham, Imran Manack, Ruan Terblanche, Gysbert Wege, Blayde Capell, Jason Muirhead
- Bowlers: Jhedli van Briesies, Yves Kamanzi, Lizaad Williams, Glenton Stuurman, Akhona Mnyaka
- All-rounders: Neil Brand, Jevano Baron, Ferisco Adams, Lehan Botha, Siyabonga Mahima, Nathan Jacobs
8. Eastern Storm Squad
Eastern Storm have ten batters but only two specialist bowlers, so the three all-rounders carry plenty of overs.
- Batters: Merrick Brett, Amaan Khan, Dewan Marais, Christopher Britz, Brayden Hicks, Juan Lubbe, Sabelo Mabanga, Ronan Hermann, Kabelo Sekhukhune, Jurie Snyman
- Bowlers: Aryan Gopalan, Martin Khumalo
- All-rounders: Chad Classen, Tumelo Simelane, Leander Lubbe
CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Squad Captains and Wicketkeepers
The source listing marks only two captains. Captains for the other 14 teams are not shown in it, so they should be added once teams confirm them.
| Team | Captain (as listed) | Wicketkeepers (as listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape Iinyathi | Jerome Bossr | Mncedisi Malika |
| South Africa Emerging | Jorich van Schalkwyk | Ntando Zuma |
| Warriors | Not listed | Jean du Plessis |
| North West Dragons | Not listed | Ruan de Swardt |
| Northern Cape Heat | Not listed | Gerhardus Jacobus Maree |
| Western Province | Not listed | Daniel Smith |
| Dolphins | Not listed | Hanu Viljoen |
| Lions | Not listed | Connor Esterhuizen, Quinton de Kock |
| Mpumalanga Rhinos | Not listed | Garnett Tarr |
| Knights | Not listed | Ruan Haasbroek |
| Titans | Not listed | Keegan Petersen, Lhuan-dre Pretorius |
Limpopo Impalas, Tuskers, Rocks, Eastern Storm and Garden Route Badgers have no wicketkeeper marked in the listing.
CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Players With SA20 2027 Contracts
The Pro20 Cup is a shop window for the SA20. Many names below were picked up in the SA20 2027 auction on 7 October 2026 or were already in franchise squads.
| SA20 Franchise | Players Also in CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Squads (Team) |
|---|---|
| Joburg Super Kings | Matthew de Villiers (Warriors), Dian Forrester (North West Dragons), Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins), Leus du Plooy (Limpopo Impalas, Titans), Donovan Ferreira, Duan Jansen, Janco Smit, Dayyaan Galiem (Titans), Jason Rowles (South Africa Emerging) |
| MI Cape Town | Thomas Kaber (Warriors), Jason Smith, Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Reeza Hendricks, Wiaan Mulder (Lions), George Linde, Daniel Smith, Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), Dane Piedt, Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), Lehan Botha (Rocks) |
| Sunrisers Eastern Cape | Jordan Hermann, Patrick Kruger, JP King (Warriors), Quinton de Kock, Lutho Sipamla, Mitchell van Buuren (Lions), Nandre Burger (Western Province) |
| Pretoria Capitals | Gideon Peters (Warriors), Wihan Lubbe (North West Dragons), Bryce Parsons, Buyanda Majola (Dolphins), Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen, Codi Yusuf (Lions), Josh Breed (Western Province), Dewald Brevis (Titans), Lizaad Williams (Rocks) |
| Paarl Royals | David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins), Bjorn Fortuin, Delano Potgieter, Jacob Basson (Lions), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Keagan Lion-Cachet, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans) |
| Durban’s Super Giants | Marques Ackerman, Andile Simelane (Dolphins), Gerald Coetzee (Lions), Daryn Dupavillon (North West Dragons), Eathan Bosch, Evan Jones (Titans), Kyle Simmonds (Western Province) |
Players on this list may be released or rested depending on international and SA20 duties, so check team news before each match.
CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Player Spotlight
These players are the names most likely to shape their team’s campaign and draw attention from selectors.
1. David Miller (Dolphins)
Miller is the biggest name in the Dolphins batting order. He is also the captain of Paarl Royals for SA20 2027. His power hitting in the middle order makes him the finisher every Dolphins match plan is built around.
2. Quinton de Kock (Lions)
De Kock is one of two listed wicketkeepers in a loaded Lions batting group. He is also part of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape squad in SA20 2027. A strong run of form here would add to his case across white-ball formats.
3. Dewald Brevis (Titans)
Brevis is one of the youngest stars in the Titans order. He is an Under-23 pick for Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2027. His strike rate against spin is the thing to watch.
4. Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans)
Shamsi leads the Titans spin attack as a left-arm wrist spinner. He gives the side a wicket-taking option through the middle overs. Few teams in the competition can match that experience in the bowling group.
5. Jason Rowles (South Africa Emerging)
Rowles is the 18-year-old all-rounder who became the most expensive buy at the SA20 2027 auction, going to Joburg Super Kings for R2.9 million. He now plays for South Africa Emerging, which makes this tournament a first look at him in a national setting.
6. Nandre Burger (Western Province)
Burger leads a seven-man Western Province bowling group. He signed for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 2027 auction at R500,000. Early wickets from him can change a Powerplay quickly.
7. Rassie van der Dussen (Lions)
Van der Dussen anchors the Lions batting group alongside de Kock and Reeza Hendricks. He joined Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 2027 auction at R500,000, after going unsold in the first round.
CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Venues
Matches are spread across 16 grounds, which is a mix of Test venues and smaller provincial ovals.
| City | Ground |
|---|---|
| Centurion | SuperSport Park |
| Johannesburg | The Wanderers Stadium |
| Cape Town | Newlands |
| Durban | Kingsmead |
| Gqeberha | St George’s Park |
| East London | Buffalo Park |
| Bloemfontein | Mangaung Oval |
| Paarl | Boland Park |
| Pretoria | LC de Villiers Oval |
| Benoni | Willowmoore Park |
| Kimberley | Diamond Oval |
| White River | Uplands College |
| Oudtshoorn | Recreation Ground |
| Polokwane | Polokwane Cricket Club |
| Pietermaritzburg | City Oval |
| Potchefstroom | Senwes Park |
Super Eights and semi-final pairings and venues are still to be confirmed.
Where to Watch CSA T20 Challenge 2026 Live
SuperSport shows 47 of the 71 matches in South Africa. The remaining 24 are on the Cricket South Africa YouTube channel.
| Region | Platform |
|---|---|
| South Africa | SuperSport (47 matches), CSA YouTube (24 matches) |
| India | FanCode |
| USA and Canada | Willow TV |
| Other regions | Selected matches on the CSA YouTube channel, subject to regional availability |
Matches usually start at 9:30 PM IST. When two games are played on one day, the first starts at 4:30 PM IST.
Conclusion
The CSA T20 Challenge 2026 squads give fans a full picture of South African domestic talent, from Proteas names at the Lions and Dolphins to young stars at South Africa Emerging.
With 16 teams, 71 matches and a final on 14 November 2026, there is plenty to follow. Many players here also hold SA20 2027 contracts, so form in this tournament will matter. Bookmark this page for squad updates, team news and results as the Super Eights approach.
FAQs
It began on 25 September 2026 and finishes with the final on 14 November 2026.
There are 16 teams in two pools of eight.
A total of 71 matches are scheduled.
Pool A has Warriors, North West Dragons, Northern Cape Heat, Eastern Cape Iinyathi, Dolphins, Lions, Limpopo Impalas and Garden Route Badgers. Pool B has Titans, Western Province, Mpumalanga Rhinos, Knights, South Africa Emerging, Tuskers, Rocks and Eastern Storm.
South Africa Emerging, with 24 players.
Jorich van Schalkwyk is marked as captain of South Africa Emerging, and Jerome Bossr of Eastern Cape Iinyathi.
SuperSport in South Africa, FanCode in India, Willow TV in the USA and Canada, and the Cricket South Africa YouTube channel for selected matches.
Yes. The 2026-27 tournament combines the old T20 Challenge and T20 Knockout into one competition called the Pro20 Cup.
