T20 World Cup 2024: Nicol Loftie-Eaton Omitted as Namibia Announce 15-Member Squad

All-rounder Nicol Loftie-Eaton the biggest omission as Namibia on Friday (May 10) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the United States and West Indies.

Qualifying for the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup courtesy of an unbeaten run at last year's Africa Qualifier on home soil, Namibia will be continue to be led by experienced all-rounder Gerhard Erasmus with JJ Smit serving as his deputy.

Loftie-Eaton had created headlines in February when he smashed the fastest T20I century in the history of men's cricket with a 33-ball effort against Nepal, but the 23-year-old is overlooked for June's tournament reportedly due to disciplinary issues.

Apart from Loftie-Eaton, veteran Pikky Ya France and young batter Shawn Fouche have also been left out of the squad that includes several experienced players who featured in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup.

Twelve of the 15 players that featured in the qualifying run have once again won selection in Namibia's 15-player squad with inexperienced seamer Dylan Leicher, left-arm quick Ruben Trumpelmann and teenage pacer Jack Brassell being the trio addeed to the squad.

Like every other team, Namibia will also have until May 25 to make any alterations to their squad. Post that date, they will need ICC's approval to make any changes to their playing group. Here is a look at Namibia's T20 World Cup 2024 squad:

Namibia T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Gerhard Erasmus (captain), Zane Green, Michael Van Lingen, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Niko Davin, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, JP Kotze, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Malan Kruger, PD Blignaut.

In what will be their third consecutive appearance at the T20 World Cup, Namibia have been drawn in Group B with the African nation set to play Oman in their tournament opener in Barbados on June 2.

The Eagles will then face Scotland at the same venue in Barbados on June 7 followed by a fixture against the top teams in the Group - Australia and England on June 12 and 15 respectively at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda.