Marizanne Kapp opts out of Tri-series final after wife Dane van Niekerk's World Cup snub

South Africa woman cricketer Marizanne Kapp has requested for compassionate leave from cricket, after her wife and fellow South Africa woman cricketer Dane van Niekerk was left out from South Africa Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played from February 10, 2023.

For the unversed, Dane van Niekerk allegedly failed a 2km run fitness test, which was mandatory for selection for the upcoming marquee event. Her wife Marizanne Kapp decided to support her by opting out from the due Tri-series final to be played between India and South Africa on February 2, 2023.

I'm a wife first and then a cricketer: Marizanne Kapp thanks CSA for granting leave

"Emotional couple of days, I am a wife FIRST and then a cricketer," the 33-year-old took to the micro-blogging site Twitter to pen an emotional post on her wife's exclusion.

The right-handed batter further in her post, thanked Cricket South Africa on understanding her situation by showing some empathy and granting her the much-needed leave. She stated that she would definitely be back for the T20 World Cup to play for South Africa.

"Thank you CSA for affording me the opportunity to be home to support my wife and see the family, as I mentally refresh and prepare for the T20 World Cup. It has always been my biggest honour to represent my country." the post read.

Emotional couple of days, I am a wife FIRST and then a cricketer. Thank you CSA for affording me the opportunity to be home to support my wife and see the family, as I mentally refresh and prepare for the T20 World Cup. It has always been my biggest honour to represent my country pic.twitter.com/4rrdRj5kvk

— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) February 1, 2023

From the South Africa management, the women's coach Hilton Moreeng released a statement saying that they were completely behind the couple and supported Kapp in her decision. The team just wants her to comeback stronger for South Africa.

"The leave was granted so she can come back ready to play. She is part of the World Cup [and] she is committed to the World Cup cause. She needed a break for compassionate leave and it was granted to her because we felt we are very happy with the form she is in, as far as her skills are considered," Moreeng told the BBC.

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