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Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially unveiled their central contract list for the 2025-26 season, spanning from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. The newly released list includes 18 players who are set to represent South Africa in a packed calendar year, featuring multiple bilateral series and two high-profile ICC tournaments – the World Test Championship (WTC) Final and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. However, what caught the attention of cricketing circles worldwide was the absence of power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen, a major white-ball figure for South Africa in recent years.
Heinrich Klaasen’s future in doubt as CSA confirms ongoing discussions
In a major development, CSA confirmed that Klaasen, who retired from Test cricket in January 2024 and had been on a white-ball-only contract, has not been awarded a central contract this year. While the governing body has not shut the door on him entirely, the future appears uncertain. In a carefully worded official statement, CSA said, “Discussions regarding Heinrich Klaasen’s future are ongoing, and a final decision will be made in due course.”
Klaasen’s omission comes at a time when he is reportedly shifting his focus towards global T20 franchise leagues, raising concerns over his long-term commitment to the national team setup.
Hybrid contracts introduced for modern demands
Recognizing the shifting dynamics of modern-day cricket, CSA has introduced ‘hybrid contracts,” for the first time, allowing greater flexibility for players involved in franchise cricket across the globe. The most prominent beneficiaries of this structure are senior players David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen. These hybrid deals allow them to participate in select bilateral series and ICC events without the obligation of full-season availability.
“The hybrid contracts take into consideration the dynamic nature of modern-day cricket and will provide David and Rassie with the opportunity to contribute to the team during specific bilateral tours and ICC events,” the CSA said in a statement.
This strategic move reflects CSA’s attempt to strike a balance between international commitments and players’ growing involvement in global T20 leagues, thus ensuring that South Africa retains the services of their marquee players during critical fixtures.
Also READ: Rob Walter steps away from South Africa’s white-ball coaching duties
New faces rewarded: Lizaad Williams and Kwena Maphaka break through
The 2025–26 central contract list also reflects a new wave of talent making their mark. National contracts have been awarded for the first time to Lizaad Williams, a seam bowler from Momentum Multiply Titans; Senuran Muthusamy, a seasoned all-rounder from the Dafabet Warriors; and the exciting teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka from the DP World Lions. Maphaka’s rise has been meteoric – having made his international debut across all three formats this past season, the youngster has already been identified as a long-term asset for South African cricket.
CSA’s bold move to include these names underlines their commitment to nurturing emerging talents and rewarding domestic consistency with national responsibility. These players are expected to play crucial roles, particularly in South Africa’s upcoming home series against the West Indies and their demanding overseas tours.
Middle-order batter David Bedingham, wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder have all received full national contracts following impressive showings across formats in the past season. These players were previously on performance-based retainers and have now been promoted to full-time contracts as recognition for their contributions. This move further strengthens South Africa’s bench strength ahead of key assignments in the WTC and World Cup cycle.
Cricket South Africa unveils central contracts for the 2025-26
Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
Hybrid Contracts: David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen
