Van Niekerk gets English T20 gig, signs with Sunrisers

Former Proteas captain and all-rounder Dane van Niekerk has signed up to compete in England's domestic T20 competition, the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Van Niekerk is the Sunrisers overseas signing in the tournament set to begin from 18 May to 10 June.

"I'm very excited to join up with my Sunrisers teammates. I look forward to this new chapter and contributing to the overall success of the team," said Van Niekerk ahead of her arrival.

"So grateful for the backing and can't wait to get on the field to start playing."

Van Niekerk announced her shocking retirement from the Proteas after failing a fitness test that left her out of the T20 World Cup at home.

The 29-year-old will join up with the Sunrisers squad at the start of the Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign, and will be available in both formats through to the August break for the Hundred.

Sunrisers head coach Andy Tennant is delighted to have the invaluable experience of Van Niekerk in their squad.

"This is an extremely exciting time for Sunrisers, and having the ability to bring in Dané speaks volumes of the work that has been going on behind the scenes at this Club," said Tennant.

"We all know exactly what Dané is capable of, and the experience that she will bring to our group of players is invaluable.

"We made sure that the current squad were aware throughout the whole process, and Eva and Mady have always spoken so highly of her after spending so much time together during the Hundred. She's both a brilliant player and a brilliant person, and we can't wait to welcome her into the Sunrisers family."