Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday, January 15 were hit with a major blow as they will now miss the services of star pacer Anrich Nortje, who was all set to return for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, set to be held in February-March 2025. The tournament, which is all set to mark its return after an eight-year hiatus, will be held in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 till March 9.

However, ahead of the marquee tournament, South Africa have been handed a blow as they will miss the experience of Anrich Nortje, who has been ruled out of the mega tournament due to an injury. Apart from the Champions Trophy, the Protean pacer will also miss remainder of SA20 2025.

Anrich Nortje ruled out of SA20 2025 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

CSA on Wednesday confirmed that the fast bowler underwent scans on Monday which revealed the extent of his injury, thus confirming him to miss 2025 Champions Trophy. “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 back injury,” said Cricket South Africa 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,” the statement further added.

It is to be noted that Nortje hasn’t played any international cricket since the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Furthermore, it is to be seen that he has missed three of the last six ICC events due to injuries. While he missed the 2019 ODI World Cup with a thumb injury, he remained out of action in the 2023 edition with a hip injury, followed by now missing the Champions Trophy due to a back injury.

South Africa’s squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassive van der Dussen.