Anrich Nortje misses out from South Africa's central contracts 2024

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has made significant announcements regarding player contracts for the upcoming cricketing season, shedding light on the fate of several prominent players. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:

Coetzee and Burger Stellar Performance

After their standout performances, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger have been rewarded with year-round contracts for the upcoming season. Coetzee, particularly impressive in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, clinched 20 wickets, emerging as the leading wicket-taker for South Africa.

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Notable Absences: Nortje and de Kock

While Coetzee had secured a spot on the contract list during the World Cup in November, this marks his first full-year contract. However, Anrich Nortje, recovering from a back injury, and Quinton de Kock, who recently retired from One Day Internationals, were notably absent.

The likes of Sisanda Magala, Wayne Parnell and Keegan Petersen miss out on the latest contracts. Dean Elgar, who retired from international cricket, was the other absentee from the previous year’s list.

Klaasen’s Emergence as a Wicketkeeping Option

The absence of de Kock, who is now primarily active in T20 cricket, raises questions about his inclusion in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. With Heinrich Klaasen’s exceptional form in the format, he emerges as a viable wicketkeeping option for the Proteas.

Women’s Contracts Announced

The announcement also covered women’s contracts, with Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx securing contracts for the upcoming season. However, the absence of Shabnim Ismail, who retired from international cricket last year, was notable.

The unveiling of the contract list by Cricket South Africa sets the stage for the upcoming cricketing season, with players like Coetzee and Burger poised to make significant contributions.

Men’s contracts

Temba Bavuma, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen.

Women’s contracts

Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, and Laura Wolvaardt.