England batsman Anya Shrubsole goes over to console South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 semi-final. Photo: Getty Images
Proteas star slams overseas publication: ‘Are you serious?’
Ex-Proteas women’s captain Dane van Niekerk says she has been left ‘broken’ again after an article branded her as a ‘fat-shamed’ cricketer.
England batsman Anya Shrubsole goes over to console South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 semi-final. Photo: Getty Images
It was first reported over the weekend by ESPNCricinfo that Van Niekerk – who is South Africa’s most successful captain in ODIs – was soon set to confirm her international retirement.
ALSO READ: Kapp ‘heartbroken’ as Van Niekerk heads into shock retirement
Still only 29 years old, Van Niekerk sadly spent an extended period on the sidelines last year after breaking her ankle, while she notably missed out on T20 World Cup selection last month after failing to pass the CSA fitness test by a mere 18 seconds.
An article about her possible retirement was published by Australian publication, Fox Sports, this past weekend, with a shocking headline reading: “‘Meant to stay broken’: Fat-shamed cricket star to retire after 2km cut-off controversy”.
On Tuesday, Van Niekerk took to social media where she directly commented on the article. She stated in a quote tweet: “Excuse me?? Fat shamed?? Are u serious??”
In an additional comment, she added: “To be truly honest.. this broke me… again.. it breaks more than anyone will know..”
Van Niekerk’s teammate and wife, Marizanne Kapp, also hit out at Fox Cricket, commenting with clear sarcasm: “Nice article @FoxCricket… contributing 100% towards players mental health struggles, good on you!`’
It now remains to be seen whether Fox Sports will provide any response or feedback to this shockingly worded headline.
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Van Niekerk last played international cricket in September 2021, having ultimately represented South Africa in 107 ODIs, while she featured in 86 T20 games.
The all-rounder recently hinted at her retirement on social media, stating: “You have to accept that some chapters in our lives have to close without closures… There is no point in losing yourself by trying to fix what’s meant to stay broken.”
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It remains to be seen when a more formal statement might be made, but Kapp reportedly confirmed the news after the Gujarat Giants-Delhi Capitals match at the Women’s Premier League in Mumbai on Saturday.
“Sometimes it feels like I am the one who’s retiring, just so heartbreaking. We’ve grown up in the South Africa team. It was difficult to hear the decision. She seems in a better place mentally and that’s what matters,” Kapp was quoted as saying.
Below, you can see some of the reaction related to Van Niekerk on social media:
The talented player is one of the most well-known South African women’s players of all-time
In 107 ODIs, Van Niekerk made 2175 runs and took 138 wickets, while in T20Is, she scored 1877 runs at a strike rate of 94.94 and claimed 65 wickets at an economy rate of 5.45.
She also played a Test match against India in Mysore in November 2014.
