NEW DELHI: South Africa’s hopes for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 suffered a blow as fast bowler Anrich Nortje was ruled out due to a back injury.
The 31-year-old, who was also sidelined from the remainder of the SA20 for the Pretoria Capitals, underwent scans on Monday that confirmed the severity of his condition.
Nortje, initially named in South Africa’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, will be unavailable for the tournament, where the Proteas are set to begin their campaign against Afghanistan on 21 February in Karachi, Pakistan.
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The team has yet to announce a replacement for the pace spearhead.
Adding a glimmer of hope, Lungi Ngidi has been included in the squad, marking his return to international cricket after a groin injury sidelined him since October 2024.
South Africa has retained the core group of players that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, with 10 of the 15 members from that squad retained.
The squad also includes four new faces – Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder – all eager to make an impact in their maiden 50-over ICC tournament.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed optimism about the squad’s prospects. “This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high-pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this,” Walter said.
South Africa’s recent performances in ICC events have raised hopes of clinching a major title. Walter added, “Our recent performances at ICC events show that we’re capable of reaching the latter stages of global tournaments. We’re eager to take the next step and go even further in pursuit of the coveted silverware.”
South Africa aim to build momentum toward a strong campaign, even as they navigate the setback of Nortje’s absence.
South Africa Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.