South Africa Releases Central Contract List, Omits Henrik Klassen

South Africa’s cricket board has unveiled its central contract list for the 2025-26 season. A total of 18 players made the cut. Notably absent is explosive batsman Heinrich Klaasen.

This list marks a new era for South African cricket. Two key takeaways stand out. Firstly, Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller are the first players to sign hybrid contracts. This innovative model allows them to play in select series and ICC tournaments for their country.

Secondly, the list includes three new players. Meanwhile, seniors like Andile Phehlukwayo and Tabraiz Shamsi have been left out. The new central contract period runs from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

No official reason has been given for Klaasen’s omission. He’s not the only one, though – other notable players like Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Tabraiz Shamsi have also been excluded.

Here’s the full list of contracted players:

• Temba Bavuma
• David Bedingham
• Nandre Burger
• Gerald Coetzee
• Tony de Zorzi
• Reeza Hendricks
• Marco Jansen
• Keshav Maharaj
• Kwenza Mafukena
• Aiden Markram
• Viaan Mulder
• Senuran Muthusamy
• Lungi Ngidi
• Kagiso Rabada
• Ryan Rickelton
• Tristan Stubbs
• Kyle Verreynne
• Lizaad Williams

The

hybrid central contract

model is a game-changer. David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen are the pioneers. As tweeted by the Proteas Men’s team, “With the introduction of hybrid contracts, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen will play in select series and ICC tournaments for the country.”