Johannesburg [South Africa], April 7 (ANI): On Monday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) released the central contract list for the country’s men's senior squad for the period spanning 2025-26. Notable exclusions include Heinrich Klaasen and Tabraiz Shamsi. The emerging fast bowler Kwena Maphaka made headlines as he secured his first-ever contract. Additionally, this year marks an innovation with batsmen David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen receiving “hybrid contracts.”

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has granted 18 national contracts along with two hybrid agreements, set to commence on June 1, 2025, and conclude on May 31, 2026, according to a statement released by the agency.

Upon the implementation of hybrid contracts, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen will be engaged for particular scheduled bilateral tours and ICC events due to their significant presence in the T20 leagues. These agreements ensure their participation based on mutual consent.

For the first time, national contracts have been granted to seamer Lizaad Williams and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy. They are accompanied by fast bowler Maphuka, who made his international debut across all formats during the recent season.

During the present season, Lions' all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, batsman David Bedingham, along with his team mate from the province, Kyle Verreynne, received enhanced contracts and will be kept on board for the next season.

Talks about Klaasen's future are still underway, with a definitive choice to be announced shortly. Additionally, according to ESPNCricinfo, other players such as Andile Phehluckwayo and spinner Bjorn Fortuin have also missed contract renewals.

The agreements will encompass a hectic period for the national squad, including bilateral tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, England, Pakistan, and India, along with a home series against the West Indies.

The schedule will include two significant ICC tournaments: the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, scheduled for Lord's in England during June, and the T20 World Cup 2026, set to occur in both India and Sri Lanka at the beginning of the following year.

Enoch Nkwe, Director of National Teams and High Performance, stated: "I wish to extend my congratulations to all the athletes granted national contracts over the coming year, particularly those receiving their initial contract."

Each of these athletes has been engaged considering the significance of the upcoming World Test Championship series and the 2027 Cricket World Cup hosted at home.

The combined agreements account for the ever-changing landscape of contemporary cricket and will offer David and Rassie the chance to support the squad during particular bilateral series and ICC tournaments.

"A thrilling season lies ahead as we strive for the WTC mace and aim to advance another notch towards next year’s T20 World Cup. Our wishes go out to all the contracted players for success in the coming year,” he finished.

SA men's contract list

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, Lizaad Williams

David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen are part of hybrid contracts. (ANI)