Kane Williamson to replace Taijul Islam at DSG ahead of SA20 2025-26
NZ batter had represented the franchise in 2025, but was released despite being their highest run-getter
ESPNcricinfo staff
07-Nov-2025 • 10 hrs ago
Kane Williamson had also played for DSG last season • Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Kane Williamson is set to replace Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam at Durban's Super Giants (DSG) ahead of SA 2025-26, ESPNcricinfo understands. DSG had bought Taijul for R500,000 (approx. US$28,858) at the mega auction in September, but he's set to miss the upcoming fourth edition of the SA20.
Williamson, meanwhile, had made his debut in the tournament when he represented DSG last season, but was released by the side despite being their highest run-scorer. He scored 233 runs at an average of 46.60 and a strike rate of 118.87 in eight games. DSG finished at the bottom of the table.
Williamson's return to the SA20 continues his foray in the franchise world. Last month, he was appointed Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) strategic advisor in the IPL. Earlier this year, after his maiden stint at the SA20, he played in the Hundred for the first time in his career and in the Vitality Blast after seven years. Soon after, Williamson signed only a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket to have flexibility in playing overseas.
Last week, he also retired from T20Is with the T20 World Cup only three months away.
At the SA20 next year, Williamson will join Noor Ahmad (retained), Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler (both pre-signed), among others, as DSG look to improve on their performance from last season.
The fourth edition of SA20 begins on December 26, with DSG playing the opening game against MI Cape Town in Cape Town.