ICC Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa has officially revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19. The announcement, made on Monday, January 13, confirms Temba Bavuma as captain. The Proteas are placed in Group B, where they will compete against Afghanistan, Australia, and England in a highly competitive group stage.
The team will kick off its Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan on February 21 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Subsequent matches include encounters with Australia on February 25 in Rawalpindi and England on March 1 back in Karachi.
New Additions and Key Inclusions
The squad sees exciting inclusions as Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs prepare for their first ICC tournament. All three have impressed in domestic and international fixtures, earning their spots on this prestigious stage. Another fresh face is all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, making his debut in an ICC multi-nation event.
Fast bowling spearheads Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi return to bolster South Africa’s pace attack. Both players missed the recent home international season due to injuries—Nortje recovering from a broken toe and Ngidi sidelined by a groin injury. Their return is expected to provide critical experience and firepower to the team.
Ten players from South Africa’s 2023 World Cup semifinalist squad have been retained. This consistency in selection underlines the management’s trust in their core group, which performed admirably across recent ICC events. South Africa reached the semifinals of the World Cup 2023, were runners-up in the T20 World Cup, and have secured a place in the World Test Championship final, set for June against Australia at Lord’s.
Complete 15-Member Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.
South Africa’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- February 21: South Africa vs Afghanistan – National Stadium, Karachi
- February 25: South Africa vs Australia – Rawalpindi
- March 1: South Africa vs England – National Stadium, Karachi
South Africa’s recent performances in global tournaments have raised hopes for a strong showing in the Champions Trophy. Their consistent progress to the latter stages of major events signals a resurgence in form, led by a mix of experienced stalwarts and dynamic newcomers. With Bavuma’s leadership and the return of key players, the Proteas will aim to break their ICC trophy drought.
The inclusion of match-winners like Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada, alongside the spinning prowess of Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, makes this squad balanced and formidable.
Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the tournament’s commencement, where South Africa will strive to script a historic victory in one of cricket’s most prestigious events.
