South Africa has suffered a major setback as pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes just hours after the Proteas announced their squad for the tri-series.
Coetzee, one of South Africa’s leading pacers, initially suffered a left hamstring strain during the Sri Lanka Test series. Although he returned to play for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 League, he managed only one game before being ruled out again. Despite recovering in time and earning a spot in the tri-series squad, he experienced groin tightness while training at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria.
Following medical assessments, the team management decided to withdraw him from the squad, as he faced a high risk of further injury in the 50-over format. As a result, Coetzee will also miss the Champions Trophy, where he was set to replace Anrich Nortje, who had already been ruled out due to injury. Now, both Nortje and Coetzee will be absent from South Africa’s final 15-man squad.
The Proteas have yet to announce Coetzee’s replacement for the tri-series, which starts on February 8 in Lahore and concludes on February 14 in Karachi. South Africa named a 12-man squad for their first game against New Zealand, featuring six uncapped players. Additional players will be named after the SA20 eliminator on February 5.
Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opener. South Africa will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on February 21.
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