Paarl, South Africa – 17 July 2025 – Paarl Royals today confirmed their squad for the upcoming SA20 2025 season, retaining a strong nucleus of proven performers and adding two world‑class international talents.
Retained Players
- David Miller (Captain)
Captain since the franchise’s inception in 2020, Miller has represented all three Royals teams and celebrated his 500th T20 appearance in Barbados last year. Renowned for his composure under pressure, he averaged close to 60 at a strike rate of 136.8 in SA20 last season and will once again lead the side and take up the finisher’s role. - Lhuandre Pretorius
Last season’s leading run‑scorer with 397 runs, Pretorius impressed throughout the tournament. He has since made successful debuts in both Test and T20I cricket for South Africa, including a standout 153 on Test debut at just 18 years old. - Rubin Hermann
Emerging as a breakout star, Hermann amassed 333 runs at an average of 41.00, cementing himself at number three. His prolific form earned him a maiden T20I cap against Zimbabwe. He returns as the team’s designated wildcard, ready to build on last season’s success. - Bjorn Fortuin
A bona fide powerplay specialist, Fortuin claimed 11 wickets at an economy of 6.47. He also made valuable contributions with the bat for the DP World Lions last season. Born in Paarl, Bjorn will play a pivotal role in the bowling attack across the tournament, especially on home pitches at Boland Park.
International Pre‑Signings
- Mujeeb ur Rahman
The Afghan spinner finished last season as the Royals’ top wicket‑taker with 14 scalps in 12 matches and boasts 257 career T20 wickets at an economy of 6.76. A mystery‑spin maestro, he has also starred for the Barbados Royals in the past. - Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s T20I captain is a genuine all‑round force with over 5,900 runs with the bat and 178 wickets with the ball. He’s taken his skills around the globe, earning a reputation as one of the most coveted stars in the shortest format. This wll also be his debut SA20 season.
Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket for Paarl Royals, said:
“Having David lead us again was a no‑brainer. When we signed Lhuandre ahead of the U‑19 World Cup, we saw his talent; but the dedication he’s shown since has been remarkable. He’s also spent time in India with the Royals and fully understands our brand of cricket. His energy is infectious, and Rubin brings the same drive. His recent national call‑up speaks volumes. Bjorn’s experience and recent white‑ball outings for South Africa are invaluable. Seeing all four represent their country is motivating; it’s proof of how far they’ve come.
“Letting go of big names like Lungi Ngidi and Kwena Maphaka was tough, but mega auctions are tough with finite budgets and we could only retain four South Africans. The aim is to further strengthen our squad in the auction that is capable of lifting the trophy in February 2026.
Recognizing the value of spin at Boland Park, we’re thrilled to welcome back Mujeeb who knows how the slow tracks behave in Paarl, our culture, and finished last season as our leading wicket‑taker.
Joe Root will be unavailable this year due to his England commitments. His runs and off‑breaks were vital, but he also played a huge role in the dressing room, guiding South Africa’s next generation. Lhuandre and Rubin learned from his presence here and he even gifted Rubin his bat before leaving. Replacing someone of his caliber is sometimes difficult, so we needed a T20 superstar who fits our culture. Sikandar Raza ticks every box: a proven performer, a committed leader, and someone the squad will rally around and learn from.”
Paarl Royals remain committed to nurturing homegrown talent alongside elite international signings as they pursue SA20 2025 honours.