Sports
Klaasen Keeps Focus on IPL Amid Ongoing CSA Contract Negotiations
South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen has decided to keep his attention firmly on the Indian Premier League (IPL) as talks with Cricket South Africa (CSA) over his contract situation continue. Klaasen, 33, was notably absent from the list of 20 contracted players announced by CSA this week, despite his prominent position in the world of limited-overs cricket.
In response to questions about his contract, Klaasen emphasized that his current focus is solely on his IPL commitments. “All my focus is going into this tournament,” he stated, deflecting any inquiries about his future with CSA.
Klaasen, known for his explosive batting style, was retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the IPL 2025 season at a record fee of R48 million. After retiring from first-class cricket in 2024 to prioritize One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 matches, Klaasen has become a highly sought-after player in various leagues, including the IPL, the SA20, and Major League Cricket in the United States.
Heinrich Klaasen getting dismissed against spin is once in a lifetime thing.
SRH is not able to dominate like previous season because Klaasen is not able to fire in the middle order the way he has done it in the last year.pic.twitter.com/C7UXdy3WUM
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) April 6, 2025
Reports suggest that Klaasen and CSA are still in discussions to finalize his availability for the upcoming year. The cricketer is reportedly keen on adding The Hundred in England to his 2025 schedule, which could potentially conflict with some of South Africa’s series.
With 60 ODIs and 50 T20 Internationals under his belt, Klaasen is expected to be a key figure for the Proteas in next year’s T20 World Cup in India, assuming he can come to an agreement with CSA.
CSA confirmed that discussions with Klaasen are ongoing, stating, “A final decision will be made in due course.” Klaasen was one of four players not included in the 2025/26 contracted group, alongside Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Bjorn Fortuin.
The announcement also highlighted that Miller and Van der Dussen have signed “hybrid contracts,” allowing them to play in specific series and ICC events. New faces in the 2025/26 contract group include Kwena Maphaka, Lizaad Williams, and Senuran Muthusamy.
The upcoming year will be a busy one for the national men’s team, with major events such as the World Test Championship final, the T20 World Cup, and various international tours on the horizon.
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Sourced:Times Live
Picture: CricTip.com
