Legendary South Africa quick Shabnim Ismail has reversed her international retirement to be included in their 2026 Women's T20 World Cup squad.
Shabnim Ismail named in SA T20 World Cup squad after reversing retirement
South Africa announced their squad for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup on Tuesday (May 12), with the headline story being the inclusion of 37-year-old Shabnim Ismail.
The fast bowler's last international appearance was in the 2023 edition of the tournament, where South Africa lost to Australia in the final on home soil. Since then, Ismail has been playing franchise cricket around the globe, including playing for Mumbai Indians in WPL 2026. She now returns to the South Africa setup with a surprise reversal of her retirement.
"Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said in a CSA press release. "We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special."
Also read: Women's T20 World Cup 2026 squads: Who's in, who's out? Full team lists for the WT20 WC
Dane van Niekerk returns to World Cup action
Along with Ismail, all-rounder and former captain Dane van Niekerk has been included in the squad. The 32-year-old reversed her own international retirement last year, and has made nine international appearances for South Africa since, the latest of which came in February against Pakistan.
"We're also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dané and Karabo available again. Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different, but for us it's about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances," coach Mashimbyi said.
South Africa, who will be led by Laura Wolvaardt, have also included the young Kayla Reyneke, making it her first World Cup call-up.
South Africa Women's T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dané van Niekerk
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