Cricket South Africa Announces New Contracts for Emerging Players

Cricket South Africa has unveiled its centrally-contracted players for the upcoming season, featuring fresh talent like Ottneil Baartman and Corbin Bosch. The announcement comes as veterans David Miller and Rassie Van der Dussen are dropped from the list. With the men's team gearing up for the ICC World Test Championship and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, the new contracts signify a pivotal moment for both men's and women's cricket in South Africa. The introduction of the 'Players of National Interest' aims to ensure a robust pipeline for future international competitions. Discover the full details of the contracted squads and what lies ahead for the Proteas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 1, 2026, 02:05 IST

New Contracts Unveiled by Cricket South Africa

Johannesburg [South Africa], March 31: In a recent announcement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed the list of 18 centrally-contracted players, which notably excluded veterans David Miller and Rassie Van der Dussen. However, fresh talent such as Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, and Karabo Meso have secured their first contracts.

This season is crucial for the men's team as they aim to defend their ICC World Test Championship title while also preparing for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, set to take place in South Africa.

Among the new additions, seam bowler Ottneil Baartman and all-rounder Corbin Bosch have received their first national contracts, alongside promising batsmen Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, as confirmed by the ICC.

Veteran spinner Simon Harmer has also been granted a hybrid contract, allowing him to participate in both international matches and franchise leagues with greater flexibility.

This season introduces the "Players of National Interest" (PONIs), a group of Division 1 Men’s players identified as part of the national succession plan, ensuring depth for future international and South Africa A tours.

On the women’s side, wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has earned her first national contract following a successful year, which included participation in all Proteas Women’s tours and a notable appearance at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.

CSA has assured that previously contracted players who were not included in the core squads remain eligible for selection in both men’s and women’s bilateral matches and upcoming ICC events.

The new contracts will be effective from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. The men’s team will have a busy schedule during this period, featuring bilateral home series against Australia, Bangladesh, and England, along with an away series in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the Proteas Women are preparing for the eagerly awaited ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England this June, followed by home tours against India and Australia later in the season.

Proteas Men’s Contracted Squad 2026/27:

Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.

Hybrid Contract 2026/27:

Simon Harmer.

Proteas Women’s Contracted Squad 2026/27:

Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt.

Players of National Interest (PONIs) 2026/27:

Marques Ackerman, Nandre Burger, Okuhle Cele, Gerald Coetzee, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Bjorn Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nqaba Peter, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwane, Lutho Sipamla, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf.