Van Niekerk, 29, has not performed worldwide cricket since September 2021. “It’s with nice disappointment that I announce my retirement from worldwide cricket,” she mentioned in an announcement issued by CSA. “It has been the best honour to guide and signify my nation. I’m extremely blessed to have led the crew by way of its transformative years. There is no such thing as a doubt that the ladies’s sport is in an thrilling house and searching ahead to seeing this lovely sport that I really like develop
“I look again on my profession fondly and have made unbelievable reminiscences and need to thank Cricket South Africa and all different stakeholders to your assist. Typically the journey will be lonely, painful, and emotional, however wouldn’t change it for something. I am grateful for what this sport has given me.”
It was Kapp who first raised the alarm of van Niekerk’s retirement when she tweeted an “Finish of Period” message on Saturday adopted by van Niekerk’s sharing an Instagram story suggesting her time within the worldwide sport was achieved. “You must settle for that some chapters in our lives have to shut with out closures,” van Niekerk posted. “There is no such thing as a level in dropping your self by making an attempt to repair what’s meant to remain damaged.”
The couple has put up a number of messages since, culminating in Kapp’s this morning wherein she mentioned her “coronary heart breaks,” for her spouse, who “deserves so a lot better,” and van Niekerk’s which learn “that is all,” alongside a heartbroken emoji.
Van Niekerk additionally thanked Kapp in her retirement assertion and pledged her assist to her as she enters the prime of her profession. ESPNcricinfo understands that Kapp stays dedicated to taking part in for South Africa and is predicted to signal a brand new contract. “My spouse, Marizanne, you could have stood by my facet since day one. Thanks for placing up with me and all that got here with it, however but, right here you’re. You might be on the pinnacle of your profession and it’s my time to assist you, the way in which you could have supported me. I really like you,” van Niekerk mentioned.
“I wish to take this chance to graciously thank Dané for all her years of service and contribution to not solely the ground-breaking success of the Momentum Proteas over the past decade, however to the general progress and recognition of girls’s cricket in South Africa and around the globe,” Nkwe mentioned. “Her world-class cricketing potential and distinctive management expertise are irrefutable and can certainly be missed by her team-mates, coaches and all South African followers who’ve adopted her journey over the past 14 years. We want Dané all the perfect forward of the subsequent chapter in her profession.”
CSA will affirm their ladies’s contract checklist subsequent week.
