In one of the latest update from league kick-off today, Pretoria Capitals of the SA20 league confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that their proficient South African right-arm fast bowler, Anrich Nortje, will be sidelined for the entire second edition due to an ongoing back injury sustained before the Cricket World Cup 2023 last year.
Despite Nortje’s absence during South Africa’s journey to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals, where they lost to Australia, the team performed well with other bowlers like Rabada, Coetzee, and Jansen stepping up.
Nortje’s experience on Indian soil, akin to Rabada’s IPL stint, made his absence notable. Missing the first half of the previous IPL season due to injury, his recovery will be crucial, as it could impact his participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Pretoria Capitals will feel the void left by Nortje, a key player in their SA20 bid last year, finishing as joint-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets.
Despite his significant contributions, the Capitals lost to Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final. Nortje’s last international appearance was in September 2023, and with 144 international wickets since his debut in March 2019, his absence will be felt not only by the Capitals but also on the broader international stage.
