Cape Town - Ten South Africans will be participating in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which kicks off on Saturday.
Former Proteas batsman Colin Ingram fetched the highest price in the IPL auction after he was bought for close to R13 million by the renamed Delhi Capitals.
Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen secured an IPL contract after he was sold to the Royal Challengers Bangalore for just over R1 million.
Former Proteas bowler Hardus Viljoen fetched a cool R1.5 million from the Kings XI Punjab.
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Six South Africans were retained by their respective franchises, including former star batsman AB de Villiers by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris by the Delhi Capitals and the defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings hung onto Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir.
The Kings XI Punjab also retained David Miller, while the Mumbai Indians completed their transfer for wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock from Bangalore.
In addition to those South Africans playing, there are several South Africans sharing their wisdom off the field.
Former legendary Proteas all-rounder Jacques Kallis is head coach of his former IPL team, the Knight Riders.
Former Proteas batsman and coach Gary Kirsten was promoted as the Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach, while Paddy Upton was confirmed earlier this year as the Rajasthan Royals new head coach.
Eric Simons is also currently the bowling consultant for the Chennai Super Kings.
The opening IPL match will see the Chennai Super Kings host the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday (16:30 SA time).
List of South Africans in IPL 2019:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: -
Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis (retained), Imran Tahir (retained)
Rajasthan Royals: -
Royal Challengers Bangalore: AB de Villiers (retained), Heinrich Klaasen (R1 million)
Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (transfer)
Kolkata Knight Riders: -
Kings XI Punjab: David Miller (retained), Hardus Viljoen (R1.5 million)
Delhi Capitals: Chris Morris (retained), Kagiso Rabada (retained), Colin Ingram (R13 million)