Follow UsFormer South Africa women’s skipper Dan van Niekerk has revoked her retirement from international cricket after she announced hanging up her boots in 2023 after missing out on South Africa’s squad for the 2023 T20 World Cup, which was held in the country.
Van Niekerk had back then failed to complete a 2-kilometre running trial in the stipulated time of nine minutes and 30 seconds, after which she wasn’t included in the side; as a result that the all-rounder had announced retirement from international cricket.
But now, with the ODI World Cup happening in India from September 30, she has been included in the South African women’s training camp in Durban for the upcoming three ODI series in Pakistan from September 16 and the World Cup.
Van Niekerk released a statement on her social media accounts to make the announcement, where she also apologised to Cricket South Africa for the way she handled her retirement back then. She said that she’s ready to comply with all the required standards of women’s cricket.
“I'm thrilled to announce that I have decided to revoke my retirement from international cricket,” Van Niekerk wrote.
“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.
“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 ODI World Cup starts in India on September 30. South Africa will announce their squad after their camp in Durban ends in the first week of September.