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Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned…

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Liam Alder Named Overall SACA MVP for Domestic Division 2

Following the completion of all domestic fixtures, Liam Alder of the Garden Route Badgers finished at the top of the…

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TWELVE YEARS OF RESEARCH-BASED PLAYER SERVICE

Over the past 12 years, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has cemented its dedication to evidence-based practice through a…

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Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned the title after a strong season, finishing with 335,487 MVP points in 13 matches.

Simmonds led an impressive top three, joined by Duan Jansen and Daniel Smith. Throughout the season, Simmonds showcased skills with both bat and ball across all formats, earning 107,677 batting points and 201,809 bowling points, contributing in the field and delivering key moments.

Simmonds’ standout performances in the 4-Day Series helped him secure the SACA MVP title for the format, earning 266,363 MVP points in seven matches. His main strength was red-ball bowling, which earned him 149,089 points, while his batting earned him 98,273 points. He finished ahead of Matthew Boast and Wiaan Mulder, building a lead that lasted all summer.

Titans Duan Jansen won the 1-Day Cup SACA MVP, collecting 121,581 MVP points in nine matches. His strong bowling earned him 70,304 points, with 30,278 from batting and six from match wins. Jansen was a top performer, finishing as the joint leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets. He ranked ahead of Malcolm Nofal and Patrick Kruger.

Matthew de Villiers of the Warriors led the T20 Challenge SACA MVP rankings with 122,051 MVP points in nine matches. He dominated with the bat, scoring 99,051 batting points without bowling. Captaincy, winning, and fielding points added to his total, putting him ahead of Imraan Manack and Eathan Bosch. His steady batting at a high strike rate helped him top the T20 leaderboard and stay competitive throughout the season.

The SACA MVP ranking recognises player achievements by measuring player impact in CSA’s domestic competitions using data analysis led by statistician Andrew Samson. The system calculates points for batting, bowling, and fielding based on match context and opposition strength, so recognition reflects real contributions.

SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke said: “We congratulate Kyle, Duan, and Matthew for winning the SACA MVP in their respective formats. It is a great achievement to be recognised as the most valuable player for the season. This season, players have challenged themselves, and we wish all players a restful off-season.”

 

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Liam Alder Named Overall SACA MVP for Domestic Division 2

Following the completion of all domestic fixtures, Liam Alder of the Garden Route Badgers finished at the top of the SACA MVP overall rankings, identifying him as the most valuable player in the division across all formats.

Alder won the Overall Division 2 SACA MVP title with 360,805 points across 20 matches, providing a consistent baseline for his team. His slow left-arm orthodox bowling earned him 257,542 bowling points, while his contributions with the bat resulted in 65,262 batting points, comprising two half-centuries in the 4-Day Series, where he maintained an average of 35.22. Alder’s total was further supported by 11 winning points and 7 fielding points, marking him as the most statistically active performer in the division this summer.

Emanuel Motswiri of the Limpopo Impalas was named the 1-Day Cup SACA MVP in Division 2. In six matches, Motswiri accumulated 126,878 total MVP points through a campaign based on bowling performance, where he took 16 wickets at an average of 16.81 and an economy rate of 5.85. Motswiri also provided middle-order runs, scoring two half-centuries to earn 24,851 batting points, showcasing his ability to perform in the 50-over format.

The red-ball format of the division was led by all-rounder Ernest Kemm of the Eastern Storm, who won the 4-Day Series SACA MVP title with 309,037 points. Since moving to the Eastern Storm, Kemm has added value to the team environment as a senior player, and his impact is reflected in his second-place finish in the overall rankings with 341,536 points. He ended the season as the division’s leading wicket-taker with 40 wickets, including five five-wicket hauls.

The T20 Knockout MVP went to Alindile Mhletywa of the Eastern Cape Iinyathi, who topped the rankings with 101,912 MVP points after taking 15 wickets at an average of 12.08 during the Iinyathi T20 campaign.

Recognition of these performances is facilitated by the SACA MVP ranking system, which measures player impact in CSA’s domestic competitions. Administered by statistician Andrew Samson, the domestic SACA MVP algorithm provides a data-driven analysis of performance, awarding points for batting, bowling, and fielding metrics based on match context and oppositional strength. Match impact points are also awarded for team wins and Man of the Match performances, ensuring recognition is based on statistical impact and match contributions.

Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO, commented, “We would like to congratulate Liam, Ernest, Emanuel, and Alindile for winning the SACA MVP in their respective categories. It is a great achievement and an honour to be recognised as the most valuable player of the season. We wish all players a restful off-season after challenging themselves throughout the year.”

 

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Du Preez Crowned Overall Domestic Women’s SACA MVP Winner

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has announced the winners of the Domestic Women’s SACA MVP awards for the 2025/26 domestic season. Former Proteas captain Mignon du Preez, seasoned all-rounder Nicolien Janse van Rensburg, and emerging talent Alexandra Candler claimed the top honours across the overall and format-specific rankings, marking a season of high-performance cricket in the domestic landscape.

Mignon du Preez finished the season at the summit of the overall SACA MVP rankings with 249,953 total MVP points. Representing the North-West Dragons, the veteran batter’s consistency across both the Pro50 and Pro20 formats secured her the title. Du Preez remains a dominant force in domestic cricket, with her season marked by high-impact half-centuries and a superior points-per-match average. In the Pro50 series, she accumulated 142 runs across four innings at an average of 35.50, including two half-centuries.

Her performance in the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series 2025/26 was particularly noteworthy, where she recorded the most fifties in the competition. A standout moment of her campaign was a 115-run partnership with Lizri de Villiers against the Garden Route Badgers in Oudtshoorn, which ranks as the second-highest partnership of the Pro20 season. Her ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high strike rate provided a significant points cushion over her competitors, reinforcing her status as one of the premier performers in the South African game.

For the second consecutive year, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg has secured the Pro50 Series SACA MVP title, accumulating 147,843 points. The Garden Route Badgers all-rounder was the most valuable player of the Pro50 series and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the competition with 16 wickets. Throughout her Women’s List A career, Janse van Rensburg has maintained a bowling average of 15.97 and a strike rate of 23.95. Her 2025/26 campaign was bolstered by disciplined seam bowling, highlighted by best bowling figures of 5 for 28. Her match-winning influence was evident in her ability to strike regularly while maintaining an economy rate of 4.00, solidifying her reputation as a consistent senior player.

The Pro20 Series T20 MVP title was awarded to Alexandra Candler, who finished the shortest format with 163,266 points. The 22-year-old Dolphins all-rounder enjoyed a breakthrough season, showcasing versatility with both bat and ball. Candler’s T20 campaign was characterised by aggressive batting and breakthroughs with her medium pace, but it was also defined by her ability to build match-winning stands. She was a key contributor in two of the highest partnerships in the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series during the 2025/26 season, demonstrating her value as a tactical middle-order anchor.

The SACA MVP uses an internationally recognised rankings system to measure key influencers in CSA’s domestic competitions. Administered by cricket statistician Andrew Samson, the algorithm provides an objective, data-driven analysis of player performance. Points are awarded based on batting metrics such as runs and strike rates, bowling performance including wickets and economy, and fielding contributions. Match impact bonus points are also awarded for team wins and Man of the Match performances. This system ensures that recognition is based purely on statistical impact and match-winning contributions.

SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke, commented, “We congratulate Mignon, Nicolien, and Alexandra for winning the title of SACA MVP in their respective categories. It is a great achievement to be recognised as the most valuable player for the season. This season, players have challenged themselves and let their talent shine. We wish all players a restful off-season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wolvaardt Climbs to Overall MVP Apex as Proteas Women

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has confirmed the Proteas Women’s MVP rankings following the team’s historic journey to the Women’s ODI World Cup Final. The standings, powered by CricViz analytical data, confirm Laura Wolvaardt’s position at the top of the Proteas Women’s overall SACA MVP rankings, with Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk completing the top three after a remarkable ICC World Cup campaign.

Laura Wolvaardt holds onto her top spot in the overall Proteas Womens SACA MVP rankings on 195.685 MVP points. Her performance at the World Cup was record-shattering, as she finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with a World Record 571 runs in a single edition. Her two centuries in the knockout stage, including a brilliant 169 in the semi-final against England and a resilient 101 in the final against India, demonstrated her leadership and class under the highest pressure.

Securing the second spot in the rankings was Marizanne Kapp with 119.272 MVP points. Kapp confirmed her position as one of the world’s premier all-rounders with game-changing performances throughout the World Cup. Her career-best 5/20 against England in the semi-final secured her place in history as the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history, with her consistent clutch contributions being pivotal to the Proteas’ final appearance.

Nadine de Klerk wrapped up her World Cup campaign in third position with a total of 104.807 MVP points. Her performances included an unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls against India during the World Cup, which set the record for the highest score by a batter from number seven or below in a Women’s World Cup match while chasing.

The SACA MVP rankings, driven by the analytical partnership with CricViz, move beyond traditional statistics to deliver an objective measure of player influence. This sophisticated model assesses a player’s performance on every ball, factoring in match-defining moments, opposition strength, and the high-pressure context of tournament play, providing an accurate reflection of their true value.

Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO, commented: “This campaign was truly momentous, marking a historic pinnacle for our Proteas Women by reaching the World Cup Final. The quality of cricket played throughout this tournament has set a new, incredible benchmark for the future of the women’s game in South Africa, and the entire nation is profoundly proud of their outstanding resilience and skill.”

Proteas Women SACA MVP Rankings as of 4 November 2025
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SACA Congratulates Britz on Winning Division 2 SACA MVP Rankings

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) would like to congratulate Eastern Storm batter, Christ Britz on winning the inaugural Division 2 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the T20 rankings.

Britz’s exceptional performance throughout the CSA T20 Knock-Out Competition was highlighted by two centuries, including an unbeaten 107 against Northern Cape Heat, which propelled him to the top of the MVP rankings. His dominance extended beyond that single innings, as he finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with a strike rate of 135.98.

The 25-year-old picked up points at an average of 12.712 MVP points, highlighting his consistent performances throughout the competition which earned him a total of 101.694 MVP points, a comfortable lead ahead of all-rounders, Tuskers Sean Gilson (87, 500 MVP points) and Limpopo Impala’s Morne Venter (84.634 MVP points).

The domestic SACA MVP is a unique algorithm developed by SACA and is administered by cricket statistician, Andrew Samson in order to identify the most valuable performers in domestic cricket.

“It’s an incredible feeling to contribute to my team’s success and to be recognized for my efforts. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates. It’s a great milestone for me and for Division 2 to have a SACA MVP” commented Chris Britz.

The formula is designed to recognize players who make a significant contribution to their team’s success throughout the season. Factors such as batting and bowling averages, strike rates, and overall impact on the game are all taken into consideration. The MVP is a combination of statistical performance to determine the most valuable player at the end of the season.

“I would like to congratulate Chris on winning the SACA MVP in the T20 rankings. This achievement reflects his consistent contribution to his team’s success and highlights the hard work and dedication of our cricketers. Cricket is a game of statistics, and we are pleased to introduce the SACA MVP to Division 2″ said Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO

Division 2 – T20 SACA MVP Rankings
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FICA EXTENDS SUPPORT TO THE ACA & AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) today extended its support to the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and its members. 230 professional cricketers, whom it represents, have been rendered unemployed following the ending of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the players and Cricket Australia (CA) and the failure of CA to negotiate a new agreement with the ACA based on the same partnership principles of the previous MOU.

FICA is concerned with CA’s desire to end the percentage revenue sharing model that has so successfully underpinned the partnership between the players and administrators in Australia for twenty years. The model has not only been hugely successful for Australian cricket but has been a model of best practice adopted by associations in cricket and other sports, worldwide.

FICA is also seriously concerned with CA’s approach to its dealings with the ACA throughout this ongoing process. FICA commends the ACA and the Australian players for their unity and resolve and for their consistent attempts to negotiate with CA in a professional and transparent manner, including their willingness to use independent mediation to reach a resolution.

FICA notes the indications given by CA that it may attempt to restrict now un-contracted players from competing in other cricket events by refusing to grant them a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or threatening them with future playing bans. FICA reiterates its strong opposition to any artificial restrictions that unfairly attempt to prevent players from earning a living and that have not been agreed with players or their representatives. FICA believes that such restrictions would be open to legal challenge in most jurisdictions as a restraint of trade.

The entire FICA Board has offered its support to the ACA and the Australian players.

Vikram Solanki, FICA President said:
“The players are the game. History has shown that where country boards work in genuine partnership with players and their representatives the game thrives and succeeds. Cricket is at a crucial moment in its history, with new and competing markets for players, fans and broadcasters. I believe that boards should be working more collaboratively with players in the current cricket landscape, not pushing them away.”

Tony Irish, FICA Executive Chairman and SACA CEO said:
“FICA and its member associations stand shoulder to shoulder in support of the ACA and the Australian cricketers in their current dispute with their board. As an important stakeholder in the game, players and their associations deserve to be treated with professionalism and respect. It is in the interests of everyone in the world game that the situation in Australia is resolved quickly and in a manner that is acceptable to the players collectively.”

Lisa Sthalekar, FICA Independent Board Member and ACA Executive Member said:
“It has been heartening to see the unity shown from the male and female players across Australia at a time when they have come under immense pressure. I know there is a lot of support around the world for the principled stance they are taking to maintain a genuine partnership for all players, not just a few.”

Graeme Smith, FICA Independent Board Member said:
“I was part of a revenue share partnership model for many years as a player and this was a critical factor in fostering the relationship between Board and players. In the current cricket environment where players have other options I don’t understand why a board would want to change a partnership that has proved to be successful.”

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