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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

South Africa team will be led by Temba Bavuma in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and have been boosted by return of pacer Anrich Nortje from injury.

South Africa’s Sports Minister has voiced his strong opposition to Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy

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, winners of the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, included as many as 10 players from the side that had reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC World Cup in India.

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