South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket and been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Pakistan tour, ESPNcricinfo reported.
De Kock, who last played in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados in June 2024, had been out of the international setup amid speculation over his long-term future.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that discussions with de Kock paved the way for his return.
“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. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team,” Conrad said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The Test squad also sees the recall of offspinner Simon Harmer, with Keshav Maharaj only available from the second Test due to injury recovery. Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, and Prenelan Subrayen are among the new inclusions.
Conrad explained the leadership choices: “Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA A and the Warriors in this format before. During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan's maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad.”
South Africa will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in Pakistan before touring India later this year for two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
South Africa's squad for Pakistan ODIs: 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, Sinethemba Qeshile
South Africa's squad for Namibia T20Is: Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams.
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De Kock, who last played in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados in June 2024, had been out of the international setup amid speculation over his long-term future.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that discussions with de Kock paved the way for his return.
“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. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team,” Conrad said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Bavuma ruled out of Pakistan Tests
South Africa will begin their World Test Championship title defence without captain Temba Bavuma, who has been sidelined for six to eight weeks with a calf strain sustained during the England tour. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the Test side. “Temba's calf strain will unfortunately keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the focus is on giving him the best chance to be fully ready for the India tour in November,” Conrad said.The Test squad also sees the recall of offspinner Simon Harmer, with Keshav Maharaj only available from the second Test due to injury recovery. Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, and Prenelan Subrayen are among the new inclusions.
New captains for ODIs and T20Is
South Africa have rested most all-format players for the white-ball series in Pakistan. David Miller will lead the T20I side, while Matthew Breetzke takes charge of the ODI squad. A second-string unit captained by Donovan Ferreira will also play a one-off T20I against Namibia to inaugurate a new stadium in Windhoek.Conrad explained the leadership choices: “Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA A and the Warriors in this format before. During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan's maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad.”
South Africa will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in Pakistan before touring India later this year for two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
South Africa's squad for Pakistan ODIs: 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, Sinethemba Qeshile
South Africa's squad for Namibia T20Is: Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams.
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