South Africa, on Friday, announced the list of their contracted platers., handing out national contracts for the 2019-20 season to Reeza Hendricks and Theunis de Bruyn. However, former skipper AB de Villiers along with JP Duminy,Imran Tahir and Chris Morris have been omitted from the list. Overall, 16 players have received the central contract which will cover the 2019 50-over World Cup, men’s away tours to India – in October 2019 and March 2020 – the home series against England next year, and the limited-overs series at home against Australia.
Previously, Hendricks and de Bruyn did not have any full contracts. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the two “were upgraded to a full contract after reaching the necessary threshold during the course of the current season”.
“We have contracted 16 men’s players and 14 women’s players which we feel is the appropriate number to maintain our national squads across the various formats,” CSA CEO Thabang Moroe said. “This enables us to contract both our Test players as well as those who are limited overs specialists.”
Tahir, meanwhile, has been left out due to uncertainty over his future. The 39-year old is likely to retire after the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales. On the other hand, Duminy has spent a considerable time in recent times on the sidelines due to injuries. The southpaw last played a competitive game back in October 2018. Morris was left out because of doubts over his form as well as fitness.
South Africa, meanwhile, are currently hosting Sri Lanka. The Proteas have already lost the two-match Test series 2-0 and will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming ODI and T20I series.
Contracted players:
Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn