Blackcap Jimmy Neesham has sold for NZ$340,000 (R3.6m) at the inaugural SA20 auction, with the latest Twenty20 tournament to begin in January.
Neesham fetched the biggest fee as an overseas player, drafted by Pretoria Capitals, with fellow Kiwis Ross Taylor, Mitchell McClenaghan and Todd Astle remaining unsold.
The all-rounder almost joined his compatriots, without receiving a bid in the initial set of players, but returned to spark a bidding war.
Paarl Royals were first to bid at Neesham's base price of NZ$160,000 (R1.7m), but were challenged hard by the Capitals, bowing out of the tussle at NZ$290,000 (R3.1m).
Neesham joins Phil Salt (England), Josh Little (Ireland), Will Jacks (England), Adil Rashid (England) and Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) as Pretoria's overseas players.
The 31-year-old recently turned down an NZ Cricket contract to pursue the lucrative South African league.
He is available for Blackcaps selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, beginning October 16.
Neesham previously explained the rationale behind his decision on social media.
"I know the news of my decision to decline a central contract today will be seen as me choosing money over representing my country," he said on Instagram.
"I had planned to accept a contract offer in July, however since being left off the list, I have committed to other leagues around the world.
"It was a difficult decision, but I have decided to honour those commitments, rather than go back on my word to re-sign with NZ Cricket.
"Playing for the [Blackcaps] has been the greatest honour of my career and I remain committed to taking the field with my countrymen for the foreseeable future, especially in pinnacle world events."
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