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Shabnim Ismail Set to Reverse Retirement for Women's T20 World Cup

South African pacer Shabnim Ismail is reportedly reversing her retirement to make herself available for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The announcement comes as Cricket South Africa unexpectedly postponed the squad reveal for "further internal reviews." Ismail's return would significantly boost South Africa's pace attack, especially with all-rounder Marizanne Kapp recovering from illness. Former captain Dane van Niekerk's place in the squad remains uncertain due to a calf injury.

Key Points: Shabnim Ismail Reverses Retirement for WT20 WC

  • Shabnim Ismail reverses retirement for Women's T20 World Cup
  • CSA delays squad announcement for internal reviews
  • Ismail's return boosts South Africa's pace attack amid Marizanne Kapp's fitness concerns
  • Dane van Niekerk's place uncertain due to calf injury
2 min read

Shabnim Ismail to be available for WT20 WC, set to reverse retirement: Report

South African pacer Shabnim Ismail likely to make dramatic return for ICC Women's T20 World Cup, as CSA delays squad announcement for internal reviews.

"Ismail's potential comeback... has quickly become one of the major talking points surrounding the squad. - ESPNCricinfo"

New Delhi, May 11

South African seamer Shabnim Ismail is on the verge of making a dramatic return to international cricket and has reportedly made herself available for selection ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, even as Cricket South Africa unexpectedly postponed the announcement of the national squad at the last minute on Monday.

CSA had originally scheduled a live online media briefing for 11 a.m. local time to unveil South Africa's World Cup squad. However, shortly before the announcement was due to begin, the board informed the media that the event had been deferred due to the need for "further internal reviews", with a new date to be announced later.

While CSA did not provide further clarification, that delay is linked to internal discussions rather than a formal selection dispute, according to ESPNCricinfo. Ismail's potential comeback, however, has quickly become one of the major talking points surrounding the squad.

The experienced pacer retired from international cricket after the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup held in South Africa, but has remained active on the franchise circuit across the globe. Her return would provide a major boost to South Africa's pace attack, particularly with fitness concerns lingering over senior all-rounder Marizanne Kapp.

Kapp has not featured for South Africa since February due to illness and missed recent assignments against New Zealand and India while recovering. She is, however, expected to regain fitness in time for the World Cup.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi is understood to be supportive of bringing Ismail back into the national setup, given the value of her experience and pace in global tournaments.

Another player whose place remains uncertain is former captain Dane van Niekerk. Van Niekerk returned to international cricket last season but has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury during the tour of New Zealand. Questions also remain over her all-round role, as she has not bowled since making her comeback.

South Africa, who finished runners-up at the previous Women's T20 World Cup, are expected to finalise their squad before the ICC deadline in early June, after which changes can only be made under exceptional circumstances or with ICC approval.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm thrilled to see players like Ismail reconsidering retirement. Women's cricket globally is growing so much - her experience on the franchise circuit (like in the WPL) shows she still has plenty to offer. That said, I do wonder if this sets a tricky precedent for future retirements. Still, great for the sport! 👏
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Vikram M
Honestly, CSA's handling of this is a bit amateurish. How do you schedule a press conference and then cancel at the last minute without proper explanation? It reflects poorly on their administration. But on Ismail's return - she's still one of the fastest bowlers in the world, and with Kapp's fitness uncertain, this makes perfect sense. Just wish the process was more professional.
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Akash W
Watching Ismail in the WPL was a treat - she still has that raw pace and aggression. For South Africa to have her back alongside Kapp (if fit) would be a serious pace duo. And Dane van Niekerk's situation is interesting too - she's a world-class fielder and can contribute with the bat, but if she can't bowl, does she fit in the XI? Tough selection calls ahead for CSA. 🤔
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Jessica F
I'm a bit conflicted about this. On one hand, Ismail's talent is undeniable and she could help South Africa go one step further after being runners-up. On the other hand, if players can just reverse retirements whenever a World Cup comes around, doesn't that undermine the younger players who've been working hard in domestic cricket? CSA needs to have clear policies on this.
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Sneha F

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