Setback for South Africa as Nortje Withdrawn from Champions Trophy 2025

Synopsis

South Africa's Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the SA20 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury. This significant blow impacts the team's chances ahead of the tournament starting on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan.

Key Takeaways

Anrich Nortje sidelined due to back injury.
Misses SA20 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Injury revealed after recent scans.
Replacement to be announced by CSA.
Previously missed 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Cape Town, Jan 15 (NationPress) South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been sidelined for the remainder of the SA20 league and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury. Nortje, who represents the Pretoria Capitals, suffered the injury recently and underwent scans, which revealed the severity of the condition this week.

This injury represents a significant setback for South Africa's aspirations in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, as Nortje is unlikely to recover in time for the 50-over tournament, set to commence on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan.

The 31-year-old cricketer, who was initially included in the Champions Trophy roster, underwent scans on Monday afternoon that disclosed the gravity of his injury. Due to the slim chances of his recovery before the Champions Trophy, Cricket South Africa made the decision to withdraw him from the tournament on Wednesday.

A replacement for Nortje will be announced shortly, according to a statement from CSA on Wednesday.

Nortje also missed South Africa's last ICC event, the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, because of a stress fracture in his back. The 31-year-old's consistent variation, bounce, and pace have been crucial for South Africa in the white-ball format, demonstrated by his impressive record of 36 wickets in 22 ODIs and 53 wickets in 42 T20Is. His last appearance in the ODI format was over 15 months ago, during the Proteas' second ODI against Australia in Bloemfontein.

South Africa has maintained the core group of players that reached the semi-finals in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with 10 of the 15 squad members also named for the Champions Trophy.