Key South Africa pacer ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025

‘He is not expected to recover in time for the 50-over tournament,’ says CSA

January 15, 2025
South Africa's Anrich Nortje (centre) celebrates taking a wicket with teammates during T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh in Sydney on October 27, 2022. — AFP

South Africa’s right-arm speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Wednesday.

Nortje, who has been away from international cricket since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against India in June, was named in South Africa’s 15-member squad, announced earlier this week.

However, the scans revealed that the right-arm pacer would not be able to attain match fitness for the eight-team tournament, scheduled to commence on February 19 in Karachi, Pakistan.

"Pretoria Capitals fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the Betway SA20 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury," said the CSA in a statement.

"The 31-year-old, who was initially named in the Champions Trophy squad, underwent scans on Monday afternoon which revealed the extent of the injury.

    "He is not expected to recover in time for the 50-over tournament, where South Africa will begin their campaign on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan. His replacement will be announced in due course."

    For the unversed, the back injury had also barred Anrich Nortje from participating in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

    South Africa Squad for ICC Men’s 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.

    South Africa Champions Trophy Schedule:

    21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

    25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

    Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.

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