Quinton de Kock does a Shahid Afridi on retirement; South Africa T20, ODI Squads for Pakistan announced

The South Africa national cricket team has received a huge boost as Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from ODI cricket. Quinton de Kock has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming Proteas tour of Pakistan next month.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter had last played for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. He had previously retired from Test cricket during the India series in 2021, citing family commitments, and then after the ICC World Cup 2023, he stepped away from the ODIs as well.

Quinton de Kock reverses ODI retirement

During his time away from the international arena, De Kock played franchise leagues around the world. He featured in the South African franchise league SA20, the Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket, and most recently, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

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Lately, Quinton de Kock had a discussion with Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, to make a path towards his ODI return. And now he is all set to make a comeback in the ODI cricket with South Africa’s challenging tour to Pakistan.

He will be making his comeback in both T20Is and ODIs with the upcoming Pakistan tour, as he was previously not part of their plans in the shorter format of the game as well.

Shukri Conrad welcomes Quinton de Kock back to South Africa team

As Quinton de Kock confirmed his return to ODI cricket, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad revealed that discussions with the seasoned wicketkeeper showed he is eager to represent the Proteas again and continue his white-ball career. He also emphasized that De Kock’s experience and aggressive batting bring immense value to the Proteas side.

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Shukri Conrad said in an official statement, “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.”

Temba Bavuma to miss Pakistan tour

Meanwhile, South Africa travels to Pakistan without their captain, Temba Bavuma, as he is still recovering from a calf strain that he sustained during the England tour. The Proteas will start their defense of their ICC World Test Championship title with the two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting on October 12, and Aiden Markram will lead the Test side.

For the white-ball matches, David Miller will take charge for the three-match T20I series, while Matthew Breetzke will captain the Proteas side in the three-match ODI series in Pakistan. Ahead of the Pakistan tour, Donovan Ferreira will lead South Africa in a T20I clash against Namibia on October 11 in Windhoek.

Here are South African squads for Pakistan tour -

South Africa Test squad:

Aiden Markram (C), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj (only second Test), Wiaan Mulder, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa T20I squad:

David Miller (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

South Africa ODI squad:

Matthew Breetzke (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Sinethemba Qeshile.