South Africa has clarified that former captain Dane van Niekerk will not be considered for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.
Van Niekerk, 32, recently joined South Africa’s pre-tournament training camp in Durban, weeks ahead of the 50-over World Cup, raising speculation about her return from international retirement. However, Proteas coach Mandla Mashimbyi confirmed the all-rounder is “definitely not part of this World Cup.”
“She’s just part of the broader base of players we’re trying to bring into our environment,” Mashimbyi said. “We wanted to expose her to the environment so she can understand the expectations and prepare for a potential future call-up.”
Van Niekerk, who captained South Africa at the 2017 World Cup and has participated in three other World Cups and seven ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, acknowledged she has work to do before returning to international cricket.
“I know I’m probably not where everyone is at the moment. This camp is a baseline to gauge my physical and skill levels and see where I need to improve,” van Niekerk said.
The Proteas’ decision closes the door on her World Cup return for now but leaves open the possibility of future involvement once she meets the team’s requirements.
