South Africa has suffered a major blow ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, as fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the eight-team event due to a back injury.
The latest setback for the 31-year-old was confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday, just one day after he was named in the country’s 15-man squad for the tournament in Pakistan next month.
Nortje, who has been one of the fastest bowlers in international cricket at his peak, underwent a scan on Monday, which, according to CSA, revealed the extent of the injury. The exact nature of the injury was not specified in the statement.
Nortje has not played any international cricket since the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados last June. He had been expected to make his return against Pakistan last month but suffered a broken toe while batting in the nets.
The bowler was also ruled out of the ongoing SA20 franchise competition, in which he was set to play for Pretoria Capitals. CSA has stated that a replacement will be named at a later date.
South African Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wkt), Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.