Johannesburg: In a significant setback to South Africa's preparations for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, key pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the prestigious 50-over tournament due to a back injury.
The extent of the injury was confirmed after Nortje underwent scans on Monday, revealing that he will not be fit in time for the event.
The Proteas are scheduled to begin their Champions Trophy campaign on 21 February against Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan, but Nortje's recovery timeline makes his participation unlikely.
South Africa's team management will announce a replacement for the fast bowler in due course.
This marks the second consecutive ICC event that Nortje will miss due to injury, having also been sidelined during South Africa's 2023 Cricket World Cup campaign in India due to a stress fracture in his back.
Nortje's pace, bounce, and variations have been instrumental to the Proteas' bowling attack in the white-ball format, with an impressive record of 36 wickets in 22 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 53 wickets in 42 T20Is.
The 31-year-old's most recent ODI appearance came over 15 months ago, during South Africa's second ODI against Australia in Bloemfontein.
Despite the loss of Nortje, South Africa has retained the core group of players that reached the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, with 10 of the 15 members selected for the Champions Trophy.
South Africa's opening match in the tournament against Afghanistan will be cruvial as they seek to make their mark in the competition, where they face a tough battle without one of their most trusted fast bowlers.
