Paarl Royals announced the signing of England veteran Joe Root for the SA20 2025 season on Friday, July 19. In another story, MI Cape Town are reportedly set to sign Ben Stokes for a record deal of £800,000 for the third edition of South Africa's premier T20 franchise league.
Both Root and Stokes are currently featuring in the ongoing second Test match against West Indies in Nottingham and have recently preferred red-ball cricket. Both English stars withdrew from the Indian Premier League 2024 season and were not part of the England squad for the recent T20 World Cup 2024.
The majority of England stars missed the previous edition of SA20 and ILT20 due to the India tour. But both the franchises are looking to secure early signings to confirm players' participation in the 2025 edition.
"We all know what a phenomenal player Joe Root is, and to have him back at the Royals is a great feeling," The Royals' global director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara said. "He has been a great contributor to all the teams he has represented over the years, and has also proven to be a valuable all-rounder with his bowling and fielding attributes."
According to a report from The Telegraph, MI Cape Town have offered a cracking deal to England's Test captain and the player has accepted the offer.
Stokes last played white-ball cricket during the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and snubbed the T20 World Cup 2024 to focus on his fitness. The report also adds that Stokes might skip a five-match T20I series against India in early 2025 to be available for SA 20.
England management is likely to consider both Root and Stokes for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan last year and might add them to their ODI squad against India. Both SA20 and ILT20 will be concluded before the Champions Trophy and the players will be looking to put some good performances in franchise tournaments to bid for the places.
