Ex-captain Van Niekerk reverses South Africa retirement

Dane van Niekerk, who retired from international football and was a member of a World Cup training group, is now eligible for a return to South Africa.

Van Niekerk, 32, left South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad in March 2023 because he “did not meet the minimum criteria for fitness” (to be met).

Van Niekerk hasn’t played since March, but she has.

Van Niekerk remarked, “Time away has reminded me how much I miss representing my country.

In September 2021, Van Niekerk completed her 194 internationals.

She attempted to return for a home World Cup in February 2023 after suffering an ankle injury, but Cricket South Africa (CSA) claimed she did not finish the 2 km run time that had been relaxed.

She claimed that that decision had “absolutely broken” her and that she had already resigned.

Van Niekerk apologized to Cricket South Africa and the cricket family for the way they handled my retirement in a social media post on Monday, and he said: “I’m deeply grateful for the chance to hopefully once more showcase my skills on the international stage.

I am aware that the women’s playing and team standards are rising, and I am prepared to work hard to meet them.

“I return with renewed focus, focus, and a sincere gratitude for this opportunity.”

Laura Wolvaardt, captain, and all-rounders Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp, who are currently playing for The Hundred, are among South Africa’s 20 players on their World Cup training squad.