Cricket South Africa have announced the Proteas squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Dolphins all-rounder Jason Smith, Western Province all-rounder George Linde and Lions fast bowler Kwena Maphaka have been included in the 15-man squad.
Batsmen Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen were not selected.
“We have had to make some big calls, but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka,” said CSA convenor selector Patrick Moroney.
“We have assembled a world-class squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game, together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming through.”
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad added: “We are returning to the sub-continent, where we recently competed against hosts India. The experience we gained playing in those conditions will undoubtedly benefit us as we head into this tournament.
“Many of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that trip and experienced first-hand the pitches that we will likely encounter and that will stand them in good stead once we get to India.
“We do have one more T20I series against the West Indies before we depart for the World Cup, and that squad will be announced later this month.”
South Africa squad for 2026 T20 World Cup
- Aiden Markram (captain)
- Corbin Bosch
- Dewald Brevis
- Quinton de Kock
- Tony de Zorzi
- Donovan Ferreira
- Marco Jansen
- George Linde
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kwena Maphaka
- David Miller
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje
- Kagiso Rabada
- Jason Smith
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be played from 7 February to 8 March.
South Africa have been grouped with Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.
T20 World Cup history
India are the reigning champions. They beat South Africa in the 2024 final.
The West Indies, India and England are the most successful teams in the history of the tournament with two titles each.