Miller Omitted from CSA Contracts as South Africa Pivots to Youth for 2026-27

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed its central contracts for the 2026-27 season, awarding 18 men's and 15 women's deals, alongside a hybrid contract for offspinner Simon Harmer. The announcement also included a list of 20 Players of National Interest (PONIs), identified as future prospects for the national teams.

The men's squad features captain Temba Bavuma, red-ball specialists David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, and all-rounders including Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. Fast-bowling options retained include Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka. Harmer remains the only hybrid contract holder.

Notable omissions from the contracts are David Miller, who previously held a hybrid deal, and top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen. Both have not been offered contracts for the upcoming season, raising questions over their international futures. Other players missing from the list include Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams, Reeza Hendricks and women’s allrounder Eliz-Mari Marx.

CSA selection convener Patrick Moroney highlighted the emphasis on developing depth alongside maintaining competitiveness: "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."

On the women’s side, experienced players such as Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, and Laura Wolvaardt feature prominently. Karabo Meso is the only new addition, while former captain Dane van Niekerk and under-19 standout Kayla Reyneke have not been contracted but remain in contention for selection.

The contracts, effective from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, coincide with a demanding international schedule. The men’s team will host Australia, England and Bangladesh, tour Sri Lanka, and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, while the women focus on the T20 World Cup and home series against India and Australia, including one-off Tests.