Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of South Africa’s squad for next month’s Champions Trophy.
The back injury has also sidelined Nortje, who represents the Pretoria Capitals, from the rest of the ongoing SA20.
“The 31-year-old, who was initially named in the Champions Trophy squad, underwent scans on Monday afternoon which revealed the extent of the injury,” read a statement from Cricket South Africa.
“He is not expected to recover in time for the 50-over tournament, where South Africa will begin their campaign on 21 February. His replacement will be announced in due course.”
This year’s Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from 19 February to 9 March.
South Africa have been pooled with England, Australia and Afghanistan.
The tournament has not been played since 2017. Pakistan are the reigning champions.
Australia and India are the most successful Champions Trophy teams with two titles each.
The Proteas won the Champions Trophy title in 1998 – and were losing semi-finalists in 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2013.
The West Indies and Sri Lanka did not qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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