South African provincial and national head coaches can now decide for themselves if a cricketer is fit enough to be selected.

Up until last season, SA male cricketers had to complete a 2km time trial in faster than eight minutes and 30 seconds, and a female players the same distance in faster than nine minutes and 30 seconds.

Dané van Niekerk was excluded from the Proteas squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year after failing a 2km time trial by 18 seconds, and announced her retirement from international cricket after the tournament.

Pace bowler Sisanda Magala also failed the time trial, in 2022 while with the Central Gauteng Lions after taking eight minutes and 42 seconds.

According to Rapport newspaper, CSA has notified the provinces of new fitness rules.

“The minimum fitness standards remain the same,” CSA’s head of fitness Adrian le Roux wrote. “If a player fails the test, CSA strongly advises that player not be selected and not take the field in an official match. However, the final decision rests with the coach. CSA will take note of all players who do not meet the minimum requirements.”