Due to a back ailment, South African right-arm seamer Anrich Nortje will not be participating in the ICC Champions Trophy, which will begin in Pakistan on February 19.

The pacer had scans on Monday, which showed the depth of the injuries.

Prior to the Proteas’ 50-over competition against Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 21, Nortje is not expected to make a full recovery.

In due time, South Africa will make an announcement on his successor.

A stress fracture in his back also prevented Nortje from playing for South Africa in the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, which was the country’s first ICC tournament.

As seen by his 36 wickets in 22 ODIs and 53 wickets in 42 T20Is, the 31-year-old’s consistent variety, bounce, and speed have been essential to South Africa’s pace unit in the white-ball format.

The Proteas’ second ODI match against Australia in Bloemfontein more than 15 months ago was the right-arm speedster’s most recent appearance in the ODI format.

With 10 of the 15 players remaining for the Champions Trophy, South Africa has mostly remained with the core group that helped them get to the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup semifinals.

Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder are new members of the team who will all make their debuts in a 50-over ICC tournament.

Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, and Temba Bavuma (captain) make up the South African team.