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Dane van Niekerk Returns To South African Cricket After Taking Back Retirement

Rajgeeta Yadav

Dane van Niekerk Returns To South African Cricket [Source: AFP]Dane van Niekerk Returns To South African Cricket [Source: AFP]

South have named a 20-player squad for a training camp as they prepare for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The biggest surprise in the squad is the return of former captain Dane van Niekerk, who has decided to come out of retirement.

Van Niekerk last played for South Africa in 2021 and officially retired from international cricket in 2023 after a fallout with Cricket South Africa (CSA). The issue came after she missed a fitness test by just 18 seconds, which led to her being left out of the team.

Now, she’s ready for a fresh start. Announcing her comeback on social media, she said:

"I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket. 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 has been one of South Africa’s greatest players, with 194 international appearances. She has scored over 4,000 runs and taken 204 wickets for her country. As captain, she led the team in 80 matches across formats, with a solid record of wins.

The training camp will be held in Durban from August 25 through September. After the camp, South Africa will head to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series starting September 16, their last series before the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Notable Names Missing From The South Africa Camp Squad

Notably absent from the camp squad are current captain Laura Wolvaardt, as well as all-rounders Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp, who are currently playing in The Hundred in England. On the other hand, 19-year-old all-rounder Luyanda Nzuza, who impressed in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, has been given her first senior call-up.

The final squads for the Pakistan tour and the World Cup will be announced in early September.

South Africa Squad For Training Camp:

Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk.