Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced central contracts for the upcoming 2026-27 season. A total of 19 players have been included, with 4 players having earned themselves a maiden national contract: fast bowler Ottneil Baartman, all-rounder Corbin Bosch, and batters Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis.
CSA announces central contracts
Veteran spinner Simon Harmer has been awarded a hybrid contract, considering his longstanding association with the Essex County Cricket Club, with whom he’s been associated since 2017. Harmer played a pivotal role in South Africa’s historic Test series victory in India last year.
CSA has also awarded contracts to Players of National Interest (PONI). As per the new policy, cricketers who could be future South Africa players will be picked from Division 1. These players will be part of South Africa A tours and perhaps even the national side.
“These groups of players have been recognised for their performances and contributions over the past 12 months, while also taking into account the upcoming international schedule,” CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance Enoch Nkwe said.
“With a busy and significant season ahead for both the men and women, it remains important that we continue building depth and strengthening our pipeline with PONIs, while remaining competitive at the highest level. We believe these groups give us a strong base to do that,” he added.
The contracts will run from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. During this period, South Africa will play against Australia, Bangladesh, and England at home and against Sri Lanka away. The World Test Championship, barring the final, will also conclude in the time frame.
South Africa’s men’s central contracts 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, Simon Harmer (hybrid)
Players of National Interest (PONIs): 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.
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