In hindsight, it was a surprise Anrich Nortje was included at all in the Proteas squad for the ICC Champions Trophy next month.

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje is sidelined from the ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury. This latest injury adds to his long list of setbacks. South Africa is exploring replacements, with Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka as potential options.

Anrich Nortje was initially named in the South African squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket South Africa is yet to name a replacement for Nortje.

Rob Walter’s remark that Anrich Nortjé was “bowling really quickly” at a camp before the Pakistan series is the main reason why he made the Proteas Champions Trophy squad.

Anrich Nortje's absence from the game is set to continue in the wake of him being ruled out of the Champions Trophy. CSA said on Wednesday the fast bowler would miss the tournament and the rest of the SA20 because of 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.

Nortje has not played for South Africa since last year's T20 World Cup final, in which they were beaten by India in Bridgetown.

The Proteas have been dealt a blow after a back injury ruled fast bowler Anrich Nortje out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to be played from 19 February – 9 March in Pakistan.