Quinton de Kock reverses retirement, returns to South Africa squads for Pakistan tour
Quinton de Kock has reversed his international retirement and been included in the Proteas' ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour to Pakistan.
Quinton de KockThe wicketkeeper-batter quit ODI format at the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup with his last game for the Proteas coming in the 2024 T20 World Cup final defeat against India in Barbados.
The 32-year-old has been active in T20 franchise leagues around the world and is now set to add to his 155 ODI and 92 T20I appearances.
Proteas head coach Shukri Contad said: "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."
David Miller will lead the T20I squad in Pakistan with Aiden Markram being prioritised for the Test series while Matthew Breetzke will take the ODI leadership reins with Temba Bavuma out injured.
Donovan Ferreira and wicketkeeper Sinethemba Qeshile who have been named in the ODI squad for the first time for the series in Pakistan.
Ferreira will also lead an experimental Proteas line-up for a one-off T20I against Namibia on 11 October in Windhoek.
The encounter will be the first international match between the two national senior sides and will also mark the official opening of the Namibia Cricket Ground, one of the host venues for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Conrad added: "Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has lead SA A and the Warriors in this format before, and I have no doubt he'll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game.
"During the T20I series against England, I was impressed by Donovan's maturity, his understanding of the game, and the way he connects with the younger players in the squad.
"His appointment as captain for the T20I against Namibia presents an exciting challenge, one that I believe will only enhance his development as a cricketer."
The three-match T20I series in Pakistan kicks off on 28 October in Rawalpindi while the ODI matches starts in Faisalabad on 4 November.
Proteas T20I squad against Pakistan: David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams
Proteas ODI squad: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile
Proteas T20I squad against Namibia: Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams