Kane Williamson set to replace Taijul Islam at Durban’s Super Giants ahead of SA20 2025-26

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is set to return to the SA20 League, replacing Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam at Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) ahead of the 2025-26 season. The franchise had signed Taijul for R500,000 at the mega auction in September, but the left-arm spinner is now unavailable for the upcoming fourth edition of the tournament.

Williamson, who made his SA20 debut with DSG last season, returns to the side after being released earlier this year despite being their top run-scorer. The experienced right-hander accumulated 233 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 46.60 and a strike rate of 118.87. However, despite his efforts, DSG endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table.

The 35-year-old’s return to SA20 adds another chapter to his growing involvement in global franchise cricket. Last month, Williamson was appointed as the strategic advisor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), strengthening his off-field credentials. Earlier this year, following his maiden SA20 stint, he also made his debut in The Hundred and returned to England’s Vitality Blast after a seven-year absence.

In June, Williamson signed a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), giving him greater flexibility to participate in overseas leagues. The veteran batter recently announced his retirement from T20 internationals, ending a decorated career in the format with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup just three months away.

At the SA20 next season, Williamson will reunite with several marquee players, including Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, who has been retained, and pre-signed stars Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler. Durban’s Super Giants will be hoping that Williamson’s leadership experience and consistency at the crease can inspire a turnaround after their underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.

The fourth edition of the SA20 is set to begin on December 26, with Durban’s Super Giants facing MI Cape Town in the opening fixture at Newlands, Cape Town.