Dane van Niekerk won’t feature in Women’s World Cup, confirms SA coach Mashimbyi

Overview

• Mandla Mashimbyi clarified that although Dane van Niekerk is not in contention for the upcoming event, she remains a key part of his long-term plans.
• She recently announced her decision to revoke her retirement from international cricket.
• She had initially retired from international cricket in 2023.

Former South Africa women’s skipper, Dane van Niekerk, recently announced her decision to revoke her retirement from international cricket. She is also part of the Proteas women's ongoing preparatory camp ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Also Read: “Thrilled to return”: Dane van Niekerk announces International Cricket comeback

This sparked speculation that the star all-rounder might be included in the squad for the upcoming tournament. However, South Africa women’s head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, has put an end to those rumours, confirming that Niekerk will not be part of the World Cup.

Speaking to TimesLIVE, Mashimbyi clarified that although she is not in contention for the upcoming event, she is very much in his long-term plans.

“She’s definitely not part of this World Cup, she won’t be going,” he said. “She is someone we are looking for towards the future. There are series she might be involved in, and hopefully, when she ticks all the boxes, she can showcase her skills again.”

"We are exposing her to the environment so that she understands expectations" - Mashimbyi

Mashimbyi further stressed that despite Niekerk being a former captain, her past achievements will not influence selection decisions.

“She’s captained the team, played for a long time and been successful. The experience she carries is something we will miss,” he said. “But she’s like any other player now, she needs to work her way up, earn her place again. We are exposing her to the environment so that she understands expectations, and hopefully when she gets a call-up, she can have an impact immediately.”

Also Read: “Not a good look for the game and Indian cricket” - Srikkanth on retirements of Kohli, Rohit, Pujara

Niekerk had initially retired from international cricket in 2023 after missing out on selection for the T20 World Cup squad.