David Miller left out as CSA announces central contracts for 2026-27 season

In a surprise move, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has omitted their star finisher, David Miller, from the 2026-27 contracts. Miller was on a hybrid contract in the previous season. A hybrid contract allows players to prioritise participation in private leagues around the world as they cherry-pick the bilateral series they want to be available for as part of their national duty.

While Miller hasn't announced his international retirement yet, it would be difficult for him to be seen in the national colours now that he doesn't have a contract anymore. He was a part of South Africa's T20 World Cup squad, which lost to New Zealand in the semifinals. The latest contracts will run from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.

18 men's and 15 women's contracts have been handed out by CSA as a part of the latest announcement for the 2026-27 season. Dewald Brevis, Karabo Meso, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, and Matthew Breetzke have received national contracts for the first time in their respective careers.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer, who was adjudged the Player of the Series against India in November last year for claiming 17 wickets in two Tests at 8.94 and guiding South Africa to a 2-0 series win, the first since 2000, has been handed a hybrid contract.

CSA has also introduced a list of 20 domestically contracted players (men's), called Players of National Interest (Ponis). These players are being looked at through the lens of future investment.

On the other end of the spectrum, only Meso, an 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, is a new addition to what is a fairly experienced group. Allrounder Kayla Reyneke, who is making a name for herself as a finisher, has not been named in the central contracts list but is poised to play a massive role as South Africa build up towards the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England. Former captain Dane van Niekerk has also not been included.

South Africa contract list for 2026-27

Men: 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: 

Simon Harmer

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

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