In a major boost for South African cricket, star wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket, making him available for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.
This comes as the Proteas also announced their squads for the multi-format series, with a notable exclusion being Test captain Temba Bavuma, who is out with an injury.
De Kock, who had retired from the 50-over format after the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been included in both the ODI and T20I squads for the tour, as well as a one-off T20I in Namibia before that.
His return is a significant development for a South Africa side building towards the 2027 home World Cup. While he had never formally retired from T20Is, his long-term international future was uncertain following the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
Speaking on the matter, head coach Shukri Conrad expressed his delight, stating, “Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country.”
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De Kock had previously hinted at a possible comeback, saying, “Strange things happen in life. It could be a possibility but I don’t think so,” at the time of his retirement.
Meanwhile, the Test squad will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who has been ruled out due to a calf strain sustained during the recent England tour. Aiden Markram will lead the team in his absence.
De Kock’s inclusion provides experience and a quality top-order option for the white-ball leg of the tour. The return of one of the country’s most dynamic players, coupled with a focus on building depth, underscores the renewed ambition of South Africa cricket as they look ahead to a busy schedule and future global tournaments.
South Africa Test squad vs Pakistan:
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.
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South Africa ODI squad vs Pakistan:
Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Sinethemba Qeshile.
South Africa T20I squad vs Pakistan:
David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, and Lizaad Williams.