South African batter left out of men’s central contracts list for 2025-26

South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has been excluded from South Africa's men's central contracts list for the 2025-26 season, which was announced on Monday by Cricket South Africa (CSA). 

The cricket board awarded central contracts to 18 players, including rising pacer Kwena Maphaka. The senior duo of David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have been given hybrid contracts, which means they will be contracted for specific bilateral tours and ICC events.

In a statement, CSA confirmed that 18 players would receive national contracts, while two players would receive hybrid contracts, running from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

“With the introduction of hybrid contracts, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen will be contracted to participate in specific agreed-upon bilateral tours and ICC events,” the statement read.

The list also includes pacers Lizaad Williams and Kwena Maphaka, along with all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, who have all made it to the central contracts list for the first time in their careers.

However, Klaasen, who has been a key figure in South Africa’s white-ball sides, was left out of the central contracts list altogether. His omission leaves his international future uncertain. Last year, Klaasen was on a white-ball-only contract but is now reportedly focusing on his future in T20 franchise leagues. 

"Discussions regarding Heinrich Klaasen’s future are ongoing, and a final decision will be made in due course,” said CSA.

Notably, Klaasen is contracted with Manchester Originals for The Hundred 2025, which overlaps with South Africa's white-ball tour to Australia, scheduled from August 10 to 24.

South Africa men's central contract list for 2025-26:

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

Hybrid contracts:

David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen