Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje omitted from CSA's national contracts

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced their national contracts for the upcoming 2024-15 season. Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje are among those missing out, while fast bowler Nandre Burger and batter Tony de Zorzi have been awarded a national contract for the first time. Another pacer, Gerald Coetzee, who was upgraded to a full-time contract in the current season, has been retained. All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, too, has been awarded a contract after missing out last time.

Other than Nortje and de Kock, Dean Elgar (retired), Sisanda Magala, Wayne Parnell, and Keegan Petersen have all not been offered contracts for the upcoming season.

Nortje has not played for the Proteas since September 2023, also missing the ODI World Cup in India and also the entire home summer before making it to play a couple of domestic T20 games. His arrival in India for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was delayed due to the birth of his child but he is expected to feature in the tournament for the Delhi Capitals (DC).

De Kock, on the other hand, has now retired from Test and ODIs, but remains available for selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, he opted out of the T20Is against India at home, instead choosing to play in the Big Bash League (BBL), but then returned home to feature in the SA20. He is currently with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, but Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe told ESPNCricinfo that de Kock needs to perform if he wants to earn his place at the showpiece event.

The men's national contracts have been trimmed down from 20 to 18, while in the women's department, the contracted squad size has gone up from 15 to 16. Fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi and Fall-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx have earned their maiden national contracts. The only omission from the list is fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who retired in May 2023.

"We are pleased to announce the Proteas Men and Women’s contracted squad for the 2024/25 season. The player selection for both squads reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding exceptional performances," Nkwe said

"Our goal is to continue building strong and competitive teams that can consistently challenge on the global stage. With the addition of promising newcomers and the retention of experienced players, we believe we have assembled squads capable of achieving success in the upcoming season."

South Africa Men’s Contract Squad 2024-25

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, Rassie van der Dussen

South Africa Women’s Contract Squad 2024/25

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, Chloé Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt