In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, South Africa’s star wicketkeeper-batsman, Quinton de Kock, has announced his return from retirement. He is set to feature in both the T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.
The 32-year-old had previously retired from 50-over cricket after a memorable run in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. His comeback also marks his first appearance in the T20I format since the thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final against India in Barbados.
De Kock’s recall is a highlight of the broader squad announcement for South Africa’s comprehensive all-format tour of Pakistan. The tour kicks off with a two-match Test series, scheduled from October 12 to 24, with matches to be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi. In a related development, Test captain Temba Bavuma will be absent due to a left calf strain, with Aiden Markram taking the leadership reins for the Test side.
South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, expressed his enthusiasm for de Kock’s return: “When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear he still has a strong ambition to play for his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team.”
Proteas Squads:
Test squad vs Pakistan:
- Aiden Markram (captain)
- 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
- Kyle Verreynne
ODI squad vs Pakistan:
- Matthew Breetzke (captain)
- 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-dré Pretorius
- Sinethemba Qeshile
T20I squad vs Pakistan:
- David Miller (captain)
- Quinton de Kock
- Nandre Burger
- Gerald Coetzee
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Reeza Hendricks
- Rubin Hermann
- Kwena Maphaka
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
- Nqaba Peter
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius
- Andile Simelane
- Jason Smith
- Lizaad Williams
T20I squad vs Namibia:
- Donovan Ferreira (captain)
- Quinton de Kock
- Nandre Burger
- Gerald Coetzee
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Reeza Hendricks
- Rubin Hermann
- Kwena Maphaka
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
- Nqaba Peter
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius
- Andile Simelane
- Jason Smith
- Lizaad Williams
Pakistan Tour Schedule:
Test Series:
- 1st Test – October 12-16, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 2nd Test – October 20-24, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
T20I Series:
- 1st T20I – October 28, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I – October 31, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 3rd T20I – November 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
ODI Series:
- 1st ODI – November 4, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI – November 6, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI – November 8, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
T20I vs Namibia:
- October 11, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek