Quinton de Kock Reverses ODI Retirement, Named in South Africa's Squads for Pakistan Tour

In a major boost to South African cricket, Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) and has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan in October, as well as a one-off T20I in Namibia ahead of the tour.

De Kock, 32, had stepped away from ODI cricket following the 2023 World Cup but has now made himself available for selection once again. His last international appearance came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados. Though he never formally retired from T20Is, de Kock had been absent from recent squads and his future remained uncertain under former head coach Rob Walter.

However, current South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that conversations with the wicketkeeper-batter have led to his renewed commitment to the national side.

“Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us,” Conrad said. “When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear 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.”

Since his last appearance in national colours, de Kock has remained active in franchise T20 cricket, including a recent stint in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

At the time of his retirement, de Kock had left the door slightly ajar for a potential comeback, particularly with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will host.

“At this point, I don’t foresee it happening. But you never know. Strange things happen in life,” de Kock said last year. “It could be a possibility, but I don’t think so.”

De Kock brings with him an illustrious white-ball record. In 155 ODIs, he has scored 6,770 runs at an average of 45.74 with a strike rate of 96.64, including 17 centuries. In 92 T20Is, he has amassed 2,584 runs at a strike rate of 138.32.

He has represented South Africa in three ODI World Cups — 2015, 2019, and 2023 — and missed only the 2025 Champions Trophy, in which South Africa exited in the semi-finals.

De Kock’s return is expected to add significant experience and firepower to the Proteas' white-ball setup as they gear up for a packed international season.