The South African Cricket Board has announced the central contracts for women’s cricket players for the 2025-26 season. This time Cricket South Africa has awarded central contracts to 15 women players, including all-rounder Anneri Dirksen, who won the ICC Women’s Emerging Player Award in 2024. However, this time Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker have been excluded from the central contract. Both these players got contracts last season, but this time they did not get a chance.
1. Anneri Dirksen selected in central contract for the first time
Anneri Dirksen, who made her ODI and Test cricket debut in 2024, is now among the players to receive a central contract. Dirksen has played two Tests and four ODIs so far. She also received the ICC Women’s Emerging Player of the Year award in 2024, a testament to her excellent all-round performance. Dirksen played her first T20I match for South Africa in January 2023 and has so far scored 170 runs and taken 5 wickets in 22 T20I matches. Her selection is an important step for Cricket South Africa, which aims to promote young players to international cricket.
2. Names included in the list of experienced players
The list of experienced players who have got central contracts in the South Africa women’s cricket team includes some big names. It includes names like captain Laura Wolvaardt, former captain Sune Luus, all-rounder Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk. Apart from this, experienced all-rounder Anneke Bosch, Ayabonga Khaka, and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba are also included in this contract. These players have good experience of international cricket and they will play an important role in taking the South African team forward.
3. Marizanne Kapp re-selected in central contract
Marizanne Kapp has also got a place in the central contract this time, although she announced her early retirement last year. Despite this, she continues to play international cricket and considers the upcoming ODI World Cup to be the last tournament of her career. However, Kapp will also have her eyes on the Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in England in 2026, which could be an important opportunity for her. Her experience and leadership skills will greatly benefit the team, especially in important tournaments.
4. Women’s ODI Tri-Series and upcoming tournaments
An important tournament for the South Africa women’s cricket team in the 2025-26 season will be the Women’s ODI Tri-Series, which will be played in Sri Lanka in April and May. The series will feature the women’s cricket teams of Sri Lanka, South Africa and India. The series will be played in Colombo from 27 April to 11 May, and will see competition between these three teams. After this series, the South African team will also have to participate in other important tournaments, including the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) today has confirmed the Proteas Women’s contracted squad for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Led by captain Laura Wolvaardt and head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, the Proteas Women are gearing up for a significant year ahead. Their preparations will be focused… pic.twitter.com/lw2AQ2qpCZ
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) March 17, 2025
Centrally contracted players of South Africa women’s cricket team:
- Anneke Bosch
- Tajmin Brits
- Nadine De Klerk
- Annerie Dirksen
- Ayanda Hlubi
- Sinaloa JAFTA
- Marijane Kapp
- Aibonga blueprint
- Masabata Class
- Sune Luce
- Elise-Marie Marks
- Nonkululeko Mlaba
- You are Sekhukhune
- Chloe Tryon
- Laura Wolvaerdt
The announcement of the South Africa women’s cricket team’s central contracts has clarified the team’s plans for the upcoming season. With the likes of Annerie Dirksen and Marizanne Kapp being named, it is clear that the South African team will benefit from a strong mix – of young talent and experienced players. There are a lot of expectations from the South African team in women’s cricket, and this season will be very important for them, especially in the upcoming tournaments.
