Shabnim Ismail reverses retirement, included in South Africa T20 World Cup squad

Veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has been named in South Africa's 15-member squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, nearly three years after retiring from international cricket. The 37-year-old returns to the side with 113 T20I caps and a record 123 wickets.

South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, have also welcomed back Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk after injury layoffs, while wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has recovered from the wrist injury that ruled her out of the recent India series.

Kayla Reyneke earned her maiden senior World Cup call-up after a strong international season in which she averaged 53 with the bat and picked up five wickets in her first nine T20Is.

"We're excited for the big show ahead, and I think the players have really put in the work over the last few months. The 4-1 series win against India gave us a lot of confidence, but there are still final touch-ups we need to make before the World Cup starts," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said.

"Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group. We had good conversations and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We're also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dane 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."

Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, added: "The selection process for this T20 World Cup squad involved a lot of careful consideration around continuity, squad balance and the demands that come with a major global tournament.

"Keeping the core of the group together was important to us because this is a squad that has built strong experience, combinations and understanding over time. At the same time, we also looked at areas where we felt additional experience and impactful options could strengthen the team, especially in the high-pressure moments that often decide tournaments of this nature.

"These decisions are never easy, particularly when quality players miss out, but every discussion and selection was made with the best interests of the team and the goal of winning the World Cup in mind. We believe this squad has the right mix of experience, resilience and match-winning ability, and importantly, gives us the best possible opportunity to put all the pieces together and strongly challenge for the title."

South Africa, who have reached the finals of the last three ICC tournaments, open their campaign against Australia in Manchester on June 13. They are grouped alongside Australia, Pakistan, India, Netherlands and Bangladesh.

They will leave for the UK on May 25 and hold a preparatory camp in Arundel, where they are scheduled to play Australia in three training games between May 31 and June 4 ahead of the official World Cup warm-up matches.

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