Proteas set to make a splash at ICC Champions Trophy 2025 

Photo: @ProteasMenCSA

Under the leadership of One-Day International captain Temba Bavuma, South Africa is set to field a full-strength squad, blending seasoned campaigners with exciting new talent. 

By Byron Lukas

As anticipation builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Proteas Men’s white-ball team is gearing up to take the cricketing world by storm in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March 2025. 

A key highlight of the squad is the inclusion of ten players who represented South Africa in the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The team made a valiant effort, reaching the semi-finals, and now looks to build on that success on the global stage. 

New and returning faces on the big stage

Making their debuts in a senior 50-over ICC tournament are batters Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs, alongside all-rounder Wiaan Mulder – a fantastic opportunity for these rising stars. 

The squad also welcomes back fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who was sidelined from the World Cup due to a left toe injury. His return is a massive boost for South Africa’s pace attack, which also features Lungi Ngidi. The latter, having recovered from a groin injury, is eager to regain top form alongside fellow speedsters. This mix of youth and experience forms a promising backbone for the Proteas’ campaign. 

A test of strength

South Africa has been placed in Group B and will kick off their tournament against Afghanistan on 21 February in Karachi. The team will then travel to Rawalpindi to face familiar rivals Australia on 25 February, before returning to Karachi for their final group-stage match against England on 1 March. These high-stakes encounters will serve as a litmus test for the Proteas’ ambitions. 

Strengthening the team’s dynamics, Cricket South Africa has appointed Imraan Khan as the batting coach – a strategic move given the crucial role of batting prowess in high-pressure tournaments. 

White-ball head coach Rob Walter shared his excitement about the squad: “This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high-pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this.” 

Coach Rob Walter’s confidence in the squad

Walter emphasised the importance of continuity by retaining the core group from the World Cup while integrating fresh talent. He stated, “Our recent performances at ICC events show that we’re capable of reaching the latter stages of global tournaments. We’re eager to take the next step and go even further in pursuit of the coveted silverware. 

“We’re also looking forward to Imraan joining our support staff. He will be a great asset as we look to strengthen our batting and continue improving as a unit.” 

South Africa’s 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, and Rassie van der Dussen.