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CSA Postpones Women's T20 World Cup Squad Announcement Due to Internal Reviews

Cricket South Africa has postponed the announcement of its Women's T20 World Cup squad minutes before it was scheduled, citing a need for further internal reviews. Former pacer Shabnim Ismail has made herself available for selection, despite being out of international cricket for over three years. Marizanne Kapp, the pace attack mainstay, has been sidelined since February due to illness but is expected to return. Dane van Niekerk remains uncertain for selection due to a calf injury and not resuming bowling since her comeback.

Key Points: CSA Delays Women's T20 World Cup Squad Announcement

  • Squad announcement postponed minutes before scheduled time
  • Former pacer Shabnim Ismail available for selection
  • Marizanne Kapp sidelined since February due to illness
  • Dane van Niekerk uncertain due to calf injury
  • 2026 World Cup in England from June 12-28
2 min read

CSA postpones squad announcement for ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Cricket South Africa postpones Women's T20 World Cup squad announcement minutes before unveiling, citing need for further internal reviews. Shabnim Ismail makes herself available.

"A need for further internal reviews - Cricket South Africa"

Johannesburg, May 11

Cricket South Africa have decided to delay the announcement of its Women's T20 World Cup squad, just minutes before it was scheduled to be unveiled, according to ESPNcricinfo.

On Monday, CSA had confirmed that the squad would be named during a live online media briefing at 11 am local time. However, just 10 minutes before the scheduled time, a follow-up communication stated that the announcement had been postponed due to "a need for further internal reviews," adding that a new date would be communicated later.

As per regulations, teams are required to submit their final squads to the ICC ahead of the tournament's support period, which begins in early June. Once submitted, squads cannot be altered unless there is a medical issue or ICC approval.

The report further added that the postponement is linked to a "minor internal matter" and not a selection dispute, although there are a couple of potential issues emerging around the squad composition.

ESPNcricinfo further confirmed that former pacer Shabnim Ismail has made herself available for selection, with national coach Mandla Mashimbyi reportedly keen on including her despite her having been out of international cricket for over three years. Ismail retired after the 2023 home T20 World Cup but has continued to feature in franchise leagues.

If picked, she would strengthen a pace attack that has largely relied on Marizanne Kapp, who has been sidelined since February due to illness. Kapp missed the series against New Zealand and India during her recovery but is expected to return in time for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, her wife and former captain, Dane van Niekerk, who returned to international cricket last year, remains uncertain for selection.

After featuring in nine matches during the 2025/26 season, she picked up a calf injury in New Zealand and has been out of action since. She has also not resumed bowling since her comeback, and while she is seen as a middle-order batting option, squad balance could work against her inclusion.

The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be held in England from June 12 to June 28, 2026.

The tenth edition will feature 12 teams (expanded from 10) competing across seven venues, including Lord's and The Oval. New Zealand enters as the defending champion after their 2024 victory.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Shabnim Ismail making herself available is interesting! She was such a fierce bowler in her prime. But come on, she has been out of international cricket for three years now. Is it really wise to bring her back straight into a World Cup squad? Let the younger bowlers get a chance too.
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Vikram M
I think the concern is about Marizanne Kapp's health. She's been their best all-rounder for so long. Without her, the pace attack looks thin. Ismail's comeback might just be a safety net. But why not groom new talent instead of relying on past players? India's women's team does this brilliantly.
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James A
"Minor internal matter" but they can't take two minutes to clarify? This is odd. Also, Dane van Niekerk's situation is sad – she was such a class player. Her calf injury and lack of bowling make it tough for her to fit in. But she could be a handy bat. Hmm.
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Nisha Z
Honestly, this whole thing looks like a PR disaster. As a fan, I just want to see the squad and support the team. But these last-minute delays give a bad vibe. And regarding Shabnim, she's a legend, but let's see if she is still match-fit. The Australian league might have helped though!
M
Michael C
Expanding to 12 teams is a good step for the women's game. More teams mean more talent showcased. As for South Africa, they have a strong core but need to sort out their bowling attack. Getting Kapp and Ismail back would be huge. Can't wait for the World Cup in England!

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