The SA20 runs from January 10 until February 11, with a short break in late January for England's re-arranged ODI series in South Africa. Archer could make his return to international cricket in that series, especially if he can prove his fitness playing for MI Cape Town.

The wildcard system, which SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith said would "offer our teams an opportunity to add another world-class player to their squad", was formally unveiled by CSA on Monday. The only other franchise to announce a wildcard signing so far are Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who brought in Jordan Hermann, the uncapped South African batter. Wildcard players will have a minimum salary of Rand 175,000 [US$ 10,290 approx.], but their wages are not going to count towards teams' salary caps.

Archer will join his England team-mates Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone and Olly Stone at MI Cape Town, whose squad also includes Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis and Rashid Khan.