Anrich Nortje ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025 with back injury

Anrich Nortje. (Photo Source: ICC)

South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been dealt with a major setback, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje being ruled out of the tournament owing to a back injury. The 31-year-old pacer, who also had to withdraw from the remainder of the SA20 tournament, underwent scans that confirmed the seriousness of his condition. 

Nortje’s latest setback is part of a consistent pattern that has hampered his career in major tournaments. The pacer was forced to miss the 2019 World Cup due to a broken thumb and the 2023 World Cup with a stress fracture of the lower back. His absence from the Champions Trophy will make it the third such instance in the last six ICC events. While he has been part of the T20 World Cups, his ODI career has been repeatedly disturbed by injuries.

Earlier to this injury, Nortje was aiming to make a comeback in international cricket after a prolonged absence. However, a broken toe was sustained in training and now the back injury has derailed his plans. He last played an ODI in September 2023 and has nOt featured in a Test since March 2023.

Also Read: ‘We are in the final, that’s the only response I have’ – Temba Bavuma on criticism over South Africa’s road to WTC finale

South Africa to face Afghanistan in their tournament opener

South Africa, who are part of Group B, are set to open their Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi.

Gerald Coetzee, who has returned to action for the Joburg Super Kings after a groin injury, is the frontrunner to replace Nortje. Coetzee was in contention for the original squad, but Nortje had earned the spot. South Africa retained a core group of players who reached the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup. Coach Rob Walter had opened up about the squad’s mix of experience and young talent.

“This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high-pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this,” Walter said.