The Highveld Lions pair of Jonathan Vandiar and Craig Alexander will both play for the Dolphins next season, the Durban franchise confirmed on Tuesday.
The names of the two players were revealed when the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) released its squad of contracted players for next season.
Among those missing were the former Proteas pair of Friedel de Wet, who has retired, and Loots Bosman, a player who no longer lives in the province.
The names of Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir are also missing due to their national contracts with Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Vandiar, who is a promising left-handed batsman, returns to his home province after three seasons away.
He was especially impressive in the limited-overs formats with his one-day form from last season helping him earn a place in the 30-man provisional World Cup squad.
The 21-year-old averages 32 in both one-day and four-day cricket, while his strike rate in Twenty20 cricket is over 100.
“He has immense talent and potential and we look forward to growing his career at the Dolphins, such that he can put pressure on the national selectors,” a statement from the Dolphins read.
Fast bowler Alexander, 25, came through the ranks in Cape Town, but built his professional career with the Lions.
He has taken 174 first-class wickets and a further 56 in the one-day format.
“We are hoping that he will lead the attack, providing the necessary strike power up front,” the statement added.
“His acquisition provides our bowling unit with more depth and penetration to address our challenge of taking 20 wickets in the four-day competition.”
There are no other surprises in the squad, with the bulk of the players retained from the recently-concluded campaign.
Teenager Prenelan Subrayen was handed a rookie contract.
“This is a youthful squad with immense potential,” said KZNCU chief executive Jesse Chellan.
“It is in line with our strategy to develop youngsters into a winning Dolphins team.
“With the high number of matches affected by the rain, it has been difficult to assess our progress this season.
“But young players Kyle Abbott, Cody Chetty, Divan van Wyk, Khaya Zondo, David Miller, and Mthokozisi Shezi have all produced match winning performances.”
The contracted squad: Kyle Abbott, Craig Alexander, Ahmed Amla, Cody Chetty, Cameron Delport, Robbie Frylinck, Imraan Khan, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Dane Paterson, Mthokosizi Shezi, Daryn Smit, Prenelan Subrayen, Vaughn Van Jaarsveld, Divan Van Wyk, Jonathan Vandiar, Khaya Zondo. – Sapa