It’s the end of an era—or perhaps just a pause—for Heinrich Klaasen on the international stage. Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently dropped its list of 18 centrally contracted players for the 2025 season, and Klaasen’s name is conspicuously missing. After announcing his retirement from Test cricket in January 2024, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter seems to be turning his focus toward franchise T20 leagues.
While he’s yet to officially call time on his white-ball international career, the writing may be on the wall. Klaasen was on a white-ball only deal in the previous contract cycle, but now finds himself outside the inner circle. CSA, however, hasn’t closed the door completely.
“Discussions regarding his future are ongoing and a final decision will be made in due course,” the board said in a statement—leaving room for speculation and possible negotiations.
Prioritizing T20 Leagues?
Klaasen’s omission seems to reflect a shift in his priorities. He’s already signed up for The Hundred in England, which overlaps with South Africa’s white-ball tour of Australia from August 10–24. Choosing league cricket over national duties isn’t uncommon these days, and Klaasen may be following a path well-traveled by modern-day players looking to maximize both playing time and income.
Interestingly, fellow white-ball specialists David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have found a middle ground. Both players accepted hybrid contracts, allowing them to represent South Africa in specific bilateral series and ICC tournaments, while also playing in select franchise leagues.
“The hybrid contracts take into consideration the dynamic nature of modern-day cricket,” explained Enoch Nkwe, CSA’s Director of National Teams and High Performance. “It will provide David and Rassie with the opportunity to contribute during key tours and tournaments.”
New Faces and Notable Returns
CSA’s 2025 contract list reflects a blend of youth and experience. 18-year-old left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka earns his first central deal—an exciting nod to the future. Also joining the list for the first time are Senuran Muthusamy and Lizaad Williams, who is making a comeback after undergoing knee surgery.
Players like David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, and Kyle Verreynne—who were handed upgrades during the previous season—have all been retained. Fast bowler Nandre Burger keeps his spot too, even though he’s yet to feature this season due to injury.
On the flip side, Bjorn Fortuin and Andile Phehlukwayo join Klaasen in missing out. As for Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje, both remain off the list after opting out or declining contracts in earlier cycles.
The Core Group Stays Intact
South Africa’s leadership group and frontline bowlers continue to be trusted. Temba Bavuma, who captains the Test and ODI sides, and Aiden Markram, the T20I skipper, are both on the list. The pace battery of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee remains fully intact, with Keshav Maharaj leading the spin department.
Young batters like Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton also feature, hinting at South Africa’s preparation for both the World Test Championship final in June and next year’s T20 World Cup.
“An exciting season awaits us as we compete for the WTC mace and aim to take one step further in the T20 World Cup,” Nkwe added.
A New Chapter Under a New Coach?
Following the recent resignation of white-ball coach Rob Walter, the Test coach Shukri Conrad is reportedly the frontrunner to take over. It was under Conrad’s leadership that Klaasen returned to Test cricket briefly, only to retire after being replaced by Kyle Verreynne. That decision may have played a role in Klaasen’s retreat from the international scene.
What’s Ahead for the Proteas?
South Africa is heading into a packed schedule. After their semi-final exit at the Champions Trophy, they’ll be back for the WTC final. Then comes a flurry of action: Tests and T20Is in Zimbabwe in July, followed by white-ball tours to Australia and England, Test series in Pakistan, and a year-end all-format showdown in India.
With a changing squad, evolving contracts, and a potentially new coaching setup, CSA seems focused on building toward two major goals: the next WTC cycle and the 2027 Cricket World Cup on home soil.
CSA 2025 Contracted Players:
- 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
