South African wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreira is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after suffering a shoulder injury during the SA20 2025-26 season. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 17, while Ferreira was fielding on the cover boundary for Joburg Super Kings against Pretoria Capitals.

In an attempt to stop a four off the final ball of the innings, he dived full length but landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, with the ball still reaching the boundary. Despite the injury, Ferreira walked out to bat later in the innings. He was acting as stand-in captain due to Faf du Plessis being sidelined with a thumb injury and faced just one delivery before clearly struggling to extend his arm and was forced to retire hurt.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Ferreira has sustained a fracture. Speaking during the post-match broadcast, he admitted he was not feeling well and confirmed that he would undergo scans on Sunday, January 18. In the short term, the injury has ruled Ferreira out of the remainder of the SA20 season. Joburg Super Kings, who remain in contention for a playoff spot, will have to beat Paarl Royals on Monday, January 18 to qualify. Jarren Bacher has been added to the squad as Ferreira’s replacement.

The injury also casts doubt over Ferreira’s availability for the T20 World Cup, where he was selected for his versatility as a finisher, back-up wicketkeeper and part-time bowler. South Africa may now be forced to explore alternatives. Ryan Rickelton, who has hit two centuries in the SA20 and can keep wicket, is an option, though he bats at the top of the order. Tristan Stubbs, who has struggled for form and was previously omitted, and Matthew Breetzke are also being considered.

Ferreira’s setback adds to South Africa’s growing concerns ahead of the ICC event. The team is still monitoring Tony de Zorzi’s recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in December, although he is expected to feature in the upcoming T20I series against West Indies. Selection decisions have also drawn criticism, particularly the omission of SA20’s leading wicket-taker Ottneil Baartman, who missed out due to a squad already containing six seam bowlers.