Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk has taken a U-turn on his retirement ahead of the ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka. Van Niekerk has apologised to Cricket South Africa (CSA) for ending her international cricket career abruptly after facing snub from T20 World Cup squad following failure to meet fitness requirements.
“I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket. The time away has reminded me just how much I have missed representing my country and I am fully committed to giving everything to once again have that opportunity,” Van Niekerk wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“I sincerely apologise to Cricket South Africa and the cricket family for how I handled my retirement, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to hopefully one day express my skills again on the international stage. I know the standards of the team and the women's game continue to rise, and I am ready to work hard to meet them.
“I return with renewed energy, focus, and a deep sense of gratitude for this chance. Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this journey,” the 32-year-old added.
Van Niekerk continued to play franchise cricket across the globe but recently returned to domestic cricket for Western Province and made herself available for selection for the international circuit.
She has been named in South Africa's training camp squad, featuring 20 players.
South Africa squad for training camp ahead of World Cup -
Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk
Van Niekerk’s ODI numbers
Van Niekerk has represented South Africa in one Tests, 107 ODIs and 86 T20Is. From 84 ODI innings, she has scored 2,175 runs at an average of 36.25, including one century and nine fifties. Her ODI strike rate is 66.08. Also, she has 138 wickets in ODIs at an average of 19.14, including two fifers. Her economy rate in the format is 3.46 runs per over.