CSA [Cricket South Africa] announced to offer new contracts to the South African men’s squad. Unlike last time, there will be 18 players awarded a contract across all formats instead of 21 players.

Aiden Markram and Lungisani Ngidi who made their debuts during the past contract period have been awarded their first-time national contracts.

Stephen Cook, Farhaan Behardien, Wayne Parnell and Aaron Phangiso all lost their contracts, whereas Morne Morkel was left out due to his retirement.

“We made an exception last year in increasing the number of contracted players to 21 but this year we are comfortable that the normal standard number of 18 will be appropriate to maintain our national squads across all three formats,” said CSA Acting Chief Executive, Thabang Moroe. “This enables us to contract both our Test players as well as those who are limited overs specialists.

“Aiden and Lungi have both made an immediate impact on the international scene and this is a continuation of our policy of having a strong squad with a good mix of young and experienced world-class stars,” Mr. Moroe added.