• MI Cape Town bolstered their squad with the signings of Ben Stokes and Azmatullah Omarzai for the 2025 SA20.

  • Stokes is expected to be fit for the Pakistan Test series after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Ben Stokes, Azmatullah Omarzai join MI Cape Town’s star-studded roster for SA20 2025
Ben Stokes, Azmatullah Omarzai join MI Cape Town's star-studded roster for SA20 2025 (Image source: X)

MI Cape Town have made a significant statement of intent ahead of the 2025 SA20 season, securing the services of England Test captain Ben Stokes and Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. The duo joins an already formidable roster that includes Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nuwan Thushara, and Chris Benjamin.

Ben Stokes brings experience and leadership

Stokes, a dynamic all-rounder renowned for his match-winning abilities, adds immense value to the MI Cape Town squad. Despite a recent hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred, he is expected to be fully recovered by the start of England’s Test series against Pakistan in October. With England’s Test commitments concluding in December, Stokes is likely to be available for the entirety of the SA20 tournament.

The England captain brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the table, making him a pivotal figure for any team. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his exceptional fielding skills, makes him a formidable opponent.

Amatullah Omarzai adds depth to all-round options

Omarzai, a talented all-rounder, strengthens MI Cape Town’s options in the middle order. Known for his aggressive batting and handy off-spin, Omarzai has been making waves in international cricket. His inclusion in the squad adds depth to the team’s batting lineup and provides another bowling option for the captain.

Also READ: Ben Stokes ruled out of the entire English summer; ECB appoints new captain for the Sri Lanka series

A star-studded lineup

With the addition of Stokes and Omarzai, MI Cape Town boast a formidable squad that is capable of challenging for the SA20 title. The franchise has already assembled a core group of world-class players, including Rashid, Boult, and Thushara, who have proven their abilities in T20 cricket.

The inclusion of Benjamin, a hard-hitting batsman, adds further firepower to the batting lineup. The Jamaican has shown his ability to clear the ropes consistently and will be a valuable asset for MI Cape Town.

Building a strong foundation

MI Cape Town have clearly identified the areas they need to strengthen and have acted decisively in the transfer market. The acquisition of Stokes and Omarzai is a clear indication of the franchise’s ambition to compete at the highest level.

The SA20 has quickly established itself as one of the premier T20 leagues in the world, attracting top talent from around the globe. MI Cape Town’s investment in star players highlights the growing importance of the tournament and the potential for significant returns on investment.

As the 2025 SA20 season approaches, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the clash of titans as the best players in the world compete for glory. MI Cape Town, with their star-studded roster, are undoubtedly one of the teams to watch.

Also WATCH: Ben Stokes suffers a horrific injury, walks on crutches after returning from the hospital

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.