SA20 2025: Ben Stokes, Azmatullah Omarzai join MI Cape Town

Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: The Hundred)

For the upcoming SA20 2025 season, MI Cape Town has secured the services of England Test captain Ben Stokes and Afghanistan allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai. The star-studded roster aims to turn the tables for the franchise, which finished at the bottom in the previous two editions.

South Africa’s premier T20 league, has attracted top international talent since its beginning in 2023. The 2025 edition is scheduled to begin from January 9 to February 8. MI Cape Town’s new signings will join an already impressive lineup that includes pre-signed overseas players like Rashid Khan and Trent Boult, along with retained internationals Nuwan Thushara and Chris Benjamin, respectively.

The domestic contingent is equally formidable, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, and George Linde, complemented by newcomers Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber, and Connor Esterhuizen.

Also Read: ECB pulls Chris Woakes out of The Hundred following Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury

Ben Stokes recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the Hundred 2024

The acquisition of Ben Stokes is particularly noteworthy. The all-rounder is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and hasn’t played white-ball cricket for England since the 2023 ODI World Cup. His last T20I appearance dates back to November 2022, when he played a crucial role in England’s T20 World Cup victory.

Though Stokes is injured at this point in time, the ECB has informed the English skipper is eyeing to return for the Test tour of Pakistan in October. On the other hand, Omarzai is another big overseas signing, adding depth to MI Cape Town’s all-round capabilities.

Also Read: Ben Stokes ruled out of summer with hamstring tear, Ollie Pope to lead in Sri Lanka Tests

The SA20 2025 edition will host many English Test players viz- Joe Root (Paarl Royals), Ollie Pope (Pretoria Capitals), Jonny Bairstow (Joburg Super Kings), Chris Woakes (Durban’s Super Giants), and Zak Crawley (Sunrisers Eastern Cape).

As MI Cape Town looks to improve upon their past performances, the addition of Stokes and Omarzai to their already strong squad could be the catalyst they need. With a blend of international superstars and local talent, the team appears well-equipped to challenge for the title in the upcoming season. Cricket fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the start of SA20 2025, where these star-studded teams will battle it out for supremacy in South Africa’s cricketing extravaganza.