In February 2024, Namibia’s batting all-rounder JJ Smit set the record for the fastest century in T20 cricket history against Nepal, taking just 33 balls.
However, Namibia’s declared 16-member squad did not include Loftie-Eaton for the upcoming T20 World Cup to be held in the USA and West Indies.
Loftie-Eaton was not included in the World Cup squad due to a breach of conduct. He was the captain of Namibia at the African Games held in Ghana last March.
However, due to a breach of conduct during the tournament, Loftie-Eaton was sent back home before reaching the semifinals. Cricket Namibia has stated that no comments can be made until the matter is resolved.
Like Loftie-Eaton, batter Pikky Ya France and young Shan Fouché are also not in Namibia’s World Cup squad. Despite not playing in the main tournament, Namibia has included three pacers, namely, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelman, and Jack Brassell, in their squad for the T20 World Cup. All three have played for the ICC Under-19 team earlier this year.
Just like in 2021 and 2022, Gerhard Erasmus will lead Namibia in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with JJ Smit serving as his deputy.
Namibia will compete in Group C of the T20 World Cup alongside Australia, England, Oman, and Scotland. Namibia will kick off their World Cup campaign against Oman on June 3 in Barbados.
Namibia’s squad for the T20 World Cup:
Gerhard Erasmus (captain), Jan Frylinck, Michael van Lingen, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelman, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, JJ Smit, Pikky Ya France, Jandre Coetzee, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Malan Kruger, and Picky Blignaut.
