Under the newly introduced hybrid model, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen will be available for select bilateral series and ICC tournaments as agreed upon with the board.

One of the most notable omissions from the central contract list was wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. CSA stated that discussions about Klaasen’s future are ongoing, with a final decision expected at a later stage. Meanwhile, fast bowler Lizaad Williams and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy received national contracts for the first time.

Rising star Kwena Maphaka, who impressed at the U-19 World Cup, also earned a central deal. CSA's Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, emphasized that the contracted players were selected with an eye on the upcoming World Test Championship cycle and the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will host.

He noted that the hybrid contracts reflect the evolving demands of modern cricket, offering flexibility while ensuring key players like Miller and van der Dussen remain available for critical fixtures. The 2025-26 season promises a packed schedule for South Africa, including overseas tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, England, Pakistan, and India, along with a home series against the West Indies.

It will also feature two major ICC events: the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord's in June, and the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka early next year.

CSA Central Contracts List for 2025-26

Contracted Squad:

• Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Lizaad Williams.

Hybrid Contracts:

• David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen.