In a significant setback for South Africa’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, star pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. The extent of his injury was confirmed after the 31-year-old underwent scans on Monday. Unfortunately, Nortje is not expected to recover in time for the 50-over competition, which kicks off on 21 February in Karachi, Pakistan, with South Africa set to face Afghanistan in their opening match. The Proteas will announce his replacement shortly.
This is not the first major tournament Nortje has had to miss due to injury. The fast bowler also missed South Africa’s campaign at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, where he was sidelined by a stress fracture in his back. His absence from the Champions Trophy further hampers South Africa’s pace attack, which has relied heavily on his steady variations, bounce, and express pace. Over his career, Nortje has established himself as one of the key figures in South Africa’s white-ball bowling unit, having taken 36 wickets in 22 ODIs and 53 wickets in 42 T20Is.
Nortje’s last appearance in the ODI format came more than 15 months ago, during South Africa’s second ODI against Australia in Bloemfontein in late 2023. Since then, injuries have prevented him from returning to the side, leaving a significant gap in their fast-bowling department.
Despite this setback, South Africa has largely retained the core of their squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, with 10 of the 15 players named for the upcoming Champions Trophy. However, with Nortje out, the team will be hoping that other bowlers step up to fill the void left by one of their most reliable pacers.
South Africa’s loss is a heavy blow, as Nortje’s pace and ability to swing the ball make him a dangerous asset in the limited-overs format. His injury leaves a significant gap in the Proteas’ pace attack ahead of the prestigious tournament. With the competition just weeks away, South Africa will be anxious to find a suitable replacement and finalize their squad ahead of the opening match in Karachi.