South Africa to honour loved ones at T20 World Cup with customised playing shirt

South Africa's players will pay tribute to their closest friends and family during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup by wearing a special customised playing shirt.

Each player will have the names of up to five important people in their lives embroidered on their playing shirt when they take the field to help provide a reminder of their most loved and supported friends and family at home.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt with her specially designed playing shirt // Cricket South Africa

South Africa will use the message of “Always Rising - For Me, For Her, For Them, For All, For South Africa, For The Proteas.” to stay connected with their fans during the T20 World Cup as they attempt to go one step further than their second-placed finish behind Australia at last year's event on home soil.

The names will appear inside the shirt collars and bottom hems on the playing shirt of each player and wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta - who pays tribute to her mum and counsellor - believes the initiative was an excellent idea.

"It's such a special touch," Jafta said.

"When I look down and see the names of those most important to me, it reminds me to always give my best and remember those who have been there for me from day one.”

South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt - who will captain the Proteas for the first time at a T20 World Cup in the UAE - echoed the sentiments of her teammate.

"Carrying a piece of home with me during the tournament gives me strength. I know I’m not alone out there; my loved ones are with me in spirit," Wolvaardt added.

South Africa will commence their T20 World Cup campaign in Dubai against the West Indies on Friday.