The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start from February 19, but even before the tournament, South Africa has suffered a major setback. The team’s star fast bowler Enrique Norkhia is out of the tournament due to a back injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed this and said that the seriousness of his injury has been revealed after the scan.

Norkhia’s injury and exit from the tournament confirmed

According to CSA, Norkhia’s injury is so serious that he will not be able to get fit in time and participate in the tournament.

  • He had a scan this week, which revealed a back injury.
  • The board issued a statement saying:
    “Enrique Norkhia will now miss the remaining Champions Trophy and SA20 matches.”

Big loss for South Africa

South Africa had already announced its team for the Champions Trophy, which also included Enrique Norkhia.

  • In the absence of Norkhia, the team will have to make changes in its squad.
  • However, the board has not yet announced his replacement.

South African campaign

South Africa will play its first match against Afghanistan on 21 February in Karachi.

  • The team’s fast bowling attack may become weak due to Norkhia’s injury.
  • CSA said,
    “His replacement will be announced at the appropriate time.”

Norkhia’s fitness: a constant problem

  • Norkhia has not played for South Africa in any format since the T20 World Cup final in June 2024.
  • He was last seen playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament on 2 December 2024.
  • His fitness has been a matter of concern for the team in recent times.

CSA statement

CSA said in its statement:
“31-year-old Enrique Norkhia, who was part of Pretoria Capitals, will no longer be able to take part in the Champions Trophy. Due to the severity of his injury he needs rest and rehabilitation.”

The team will get replacement

After Norkhia’s exclusion, the South African selectors will now include another player in his place.

  • It will be interesting to see which player CSA gives a chance to.
  • South Africa will need an experienced fast bowler to lead a strong bowling attack.

Rahul Dev

Cricket Jounralist at Newsdesk

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