England WK-Batter Jonny Bairstow has joined the SA20 franchise Joburg Super Kings for the 2025 season, which is set to start in January next season. The English man becomes the second signing for the franchise.
Earlier on Thursday morning, Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals had a successful trade for Tabraiz Shamsi and Dayyaan Galiem. The Super Kings have signed the mystery spinner while the South African all-rounder Joined the Royals.
Jonny Bairstow is set to play first time in SA20. The batter has played in various leagues throughout the world. He plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL and amassed 298 runs in 11 matches of the 2024 season including a century in a record-break chase in Kolkata Knight Riders.
Bairstow has been underperforming in recent times. The Yorkshire had a dismal outing in Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 scoring only 110 in 8 matches with a high score of 48* and was not part of the squad that played a test series against West Indies in home.
Joburg has officially confirmed the signing of the English men in X saying, Bluey is Yellow now! Welcome to the pride, Bairstow!
Bluey is Yellow now! 💛🥶🦁
Welcome to the pride, Bairstow!💪🏼🔥#WhistleForJoburg #SA20Retentions @jbairstow21 pic.twitter.com/Hip8h6BIBJ— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) August 1, 2024
Joburg has made some major changes in the squad after they failed to pass through the qualifier. They have released some players and retained 13 players.
Faf du Plessis was their first retention, followed by England all-rounder Moeen Ali. Coming to their Proteas men, they have retained Gerald Coetzee, Aaron Phangiso, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, and Imran Tahir.
They have also brought in Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana to strengthen the bowling unit. With an auction coming up soon, the Joburg is keen on strengthening the squad aiming for a maiden title in the upcoming season. Reeza Hendricks and Sam Cook are the notable absentees from the last season.
Joburg Squad for SA20 2025
Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Maheesh Theekshana, Jonny Bairstow, Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese, Leus du Plooy, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran Tahir
