Big blow for South Africa ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

The South African cricket team has suffered a major blow ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, as fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that scans conducted on Monday revealed the extent of Nortje's injury, ruling him out of the competition. He was initially included in the squad for the tournament, which is set to begin in Pakistan on February 19. CSA confirmed that a replacement player will be announced soon, with Nortje unlikely to recover in time.

South Africa, placed in a challenging group, will begin their campaign on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi, followed by matches against Australia on February 25 in Rawalpindi and England on March 1 in Karachi.

South Africa Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

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