However, a scan on Monday revealed the extent of the injury and a Cricket South Africa statement confirmed Nortje is not expected to recover in time to feature in the eight-team c

South Africa’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 have been dealt a severe blow as pace spearhead Anrich Nortje has been ruled out.

South Africa picked an experienced 15-man squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan with 10 players having competed at the last World Cup in India in late 2023.

Scans on Monday made it clear that he is not going to be fit in time for the ICC event beginning February 19 in Pakistan.

Though South Africa are yet to name a replacement for injured pacer Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee is believed to be the likely candidate as he was in a direct shoot-out with the 31-year-old for a spot in the Proteas attack.

South Africa on Monday included Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje in the Temba Bavuma-led squad for next month's Champions Trophy after the pacers recovered sufficiently from their respective injuries.

Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa's squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, as the Proteas aim to build on their strong recent form. Runners-up in last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup and finalists in the upcoming World Test Championship, the team is bolstered by the return of pace spearheads Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi.

Check out which players were included as South Africa announced their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, only on CricTracker.

South Africa’s Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a back injury, the latest in a long line of setbacks for the fast bowler.

In a major blow for South Africa's hopes for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, key pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out with a back injury.

S outh Africa have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the Champions Trophy after Anrich Nortje was ruled out with a back injury. Nortje has not played any international cricket si