Heinrich Klaasen Missing from SA Central Contracts List as CSA Announces 2025/26 Roster

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed the list of players who have been awarded national contracts for the 2025/26 season. A total of 18 players have been handed full national contracts, while an additional two players have been granted hybrid contracts. These contracts will be in effect from June 1, 2025, through to May 31, 2026.

In a statement, Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, congratulated all players who earned national contracts for the upcoming season, particularly those who are receiving their first-ever contracts. “I want to congratulate all the players who have been awarded national contracts for the next 12 months, especially the players who have been contracted for the first time,” Nkwe said.

He also emphasized that the selection of contracted players was made with a focus on the upcoming World Test Championship cycle and the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa. 

“All of these players have been contracted with the importance of the next World Test Championship cycle and the 2027 Cricket World Cup on home soil in mind,” Nkwe added.

Contract Upgrades for Emerging Players

This season also saw the awarding of contract upgrades to several players who were not offered CSA national contracts the previous year. Wiaan Mulder, the versatile Lions all-rounder, along with David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, both from World Sports Betting Western Province, were among those receiving upgrades.

“These players were not offered CSA national contracts the previous season, but through consistent performances and meeting the upgrade criteria, they’ve earned their place in the upcoming squad,” Nkwe explained. 

The contract upgrade system rewards non-nationally contracted players who have played for the Proteas over a 12-month period and have met the criteria, which includes performance, injuries, form loss, and workload management considerations.

Notable Omissions from the List

While many players were welcomed into the fold, some notable names were left off the list, most notably Heinrich Klaasen and Dewald Brevis. CSA assured that all players who have represented South Africa in the last 12 months were considered, with the selection process prioritizing Test and One-Day International cricket, aligning with the strategic plans for the 2027 World Cup.

“Discussions regarding Heinrich Klaasen’s future are ongoing, and a final decision will be made in due course,” CSA confirmed, leaving the door open for the talented wicketkeeper-batter to potentially re-enter the fold.

Introduction of Hybrid Contracts

For the first time, CSA has introduced hybrid contracts, which will allow players to participate in specific bilateral tours and ICC events while also playing in global T20 competitions. This new approach is designed to ensure that players of national interest, particularly in white-ball formats, remain available for selection while still having the opportunity to compete in lucrative T20 leagues around the world.

David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have been awarded hybrid contracts, with their availability for selection tied to agreed-upon tours and events. This gives them the flexibility to participate in international leagues like the IPL, while still fulfilling their national team commitments.

“The purpose of the hybrid contracts is to give players of national interest opportunities to play in global T20 competitions and still be available for selection. With a specific focus in white-ball cricket,” Nkwe explained.

“The hybrid contracts take into consideration the dynamic nature of modern-day cricket and will provide David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen with the opportunity to contribute to the team during specific bilateral tours and ICC events.”