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Veteran South Africa cricketer Dane van Niekerk on Monday, August 25 confirmed her decision to revoke her retirement from international cricket. The former Protea Women skipper’s decision came just a month ahead of the highly-anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be played from September 30 to November 2 in India and Sri Lanka.
Dane van Niekerk, who last played international cricket in September 2021 and missed the 2022 ODI World Cup after suffering an ankle fracture, she finally put down curtains in March 2023. But only two and a half years later, she finally overturned her decision.
Dane van Niekerk comes out of retirement for South Africa ahead of ODI World Cup
Taking to Instagram, the 32-year-old wrote, “I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket.” Dane van Niekerk also highlighted that the time off the cricket field helped her realise how much she missed playing. “The time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country and I am fully committed to giving everything to once again have that opportunity,” Van Niekerk continued.
“I sincerely apologise to Cricket South Africa and the cricket family for how I handled my retirement, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to hopefully one day express my skills again on the international stage. I know the standards of the team and the women's game continue to rise, and I am ready to work hard to meet them,” she added.
The former Protea Women’s skipper, who led the side in 50 ODIs and 30 T20Is has vouched to return with “renewed energy focus”. Just hours after her decision, Dane van Niekerk was named in the training squad for the upcoming marquee tournament.
South Africa Women’s squad for training camp:
Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dan van Viekerk.
