Johannesburg: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday abruptly delayed announcing the squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
CSA was set to announce the team at 11am local time on Monday, but shared that the event was called off ten minutes before the scheduled time, saying “further internal reviews are required and the new team announcement date will be shared in due course”.
According to an international cricket news website, a source close to the matter shared that the delay was due to a “minor internal matter” and not due to the selection controversy.
But contrary to the cricket board’s clarification, the report says there are at least two selection issues affecting discussions within the camp, including veteran fast bowler Shabneem Ismail, who has called time on his international career after the 2023 T20 World Cup.
Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ismail has remained active in the league circuit and according to reports, South Africa coach Mandla Mashimbi was keen on securing his services for the mega event.
Another selection confusion surrounds former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk, who returned to international cricket last year after his retirement. However, the 32-year-old suffered a calf injury during South Africa’s tour of New Zealand and has since been sidelined from the national team.
Also, van Niekerk has not bowled since her return to international level, instead establishing herself as a batting finisher – which will not help her place in South Africa’s squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.