ZA Cricket

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced its contracted squad for the 2025/26 season, introducing a significant shift in its contract structure with the introduction of hybrid contracts, while also casting uncertainty over Heinrich Klaasen’s immediate future in the national setup.

A total of 18 national contracts and two hybrid contracts have been awarded, covering the period from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026. The hybrid contracts, a new development for South African cricket, have been given to David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen, who will be available for select bilateral tours and major ICC events.

CSA confirmed that discussions regarding Heinrich Klaasen’s future are ongoing, and a final decision is expected to be made in due course. Klaasen, a key player in the limited-overs setup in recent years, finds himself on uncertain ground as the Proteas look to reshape their squad heading into a packed international calendar.

There were also first-time national contracts for several players: Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), and young speedster Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), who made his international debut across all formats this past season.

Meanwhile, Wiaan Mulder (Lions), David Bedingham, and Kyle Verreynne (both from Western Province) have been retained following contract upgrades during the current season. Their inclusion reflects strong performances and CSA’s long-term planning ahead of major tournaments.

The 2025/26 season promises to be a demanding one for the Proteas, with away tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, England, Pakistan, and India, and a home series against the West Indies. Additionally, the squad will prepare for two marquee ICC events: the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord’s in June 2025, and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.

CSA’s Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, praised the new intake and the forward-looking nature of the contracts.

“I want to congratulate all the players who have been awarded national contracts for the next 12 months, especially those contracted for the first time,” said Nkwe.

“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.

“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.

“An exciting season awaits as we compete for the WTC mace and look to take one step further in next year’s T20 World Cup. We wish all the contracted players the very best for the year ahead.”






2025/26 Proteas Contracted Squad
Temba Bavuma (Lions), David Bedingham (WP), Nandre Burger (WP), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (WP), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Marco Jansen (Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Kyle Verreynne (WP), Lizaad Williams (Titans)

Hybrid Contracts:
David Miller (Dolphins), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions)



Whether Klaasen returns to the national fold or not, CSA’s new contract structure signals a modernised, flexible approach as South Africa balances player availability, franchise commitments, and the demands of international cricket.