Former Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk revoked her retirement from international cricket and ‘sincerely apologised to Cricket South Africa’ in a social media post on Monday.

“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,” she wrote.

“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,” she added.

The 32-year-old had announced her international retirement in March 2023 after she couldn’t find a place in the team for the home T20 World Cup due to poor fitness standards.

Though her last international appearance came in September 2021, Van Niekerk continues to play domestic cricket for Western Province.

Her inclusion in a 20-member squad, which will participate in a home camp to prepare for the Women’s ODI World Cup next month, comes as a shot in the arm for her ambitions to play for South Africa again.

Published on Aug 25, 2025