South Africa Announce 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Squad

South Africa has unveiled its 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with Temba Bavuma at the helm. The Proteas aim to build on their strong performances in recent international tournaments and are determined to make a mark in this prestigious event.

Temba Bavuma to Lead a Balanced Squad

Temba Bavuma, the consistent and experienced skipper, will lead a team comprising a mix of seasoned players and promising young talent. Bavuma’s leadership has been pivotal in South Africa’s resurgence on the global cricket stage, and the team hopes his guidance will inspire another strong campaign.

Star Pacers Return to Boost the Bowling Attack

A significant highlight of the squad is the return of key pacers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi.

• Anrich Nortje: After recovering from a stress fracture in his back, Nortje will be playing his first ODI since September 2023. His absence during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and South Africa’s home season was felt deeply, and his comeback adds firepower to the bowling unit.
• Lungi Ngidi: Lungi Ngidi is also making a comeback. He has recovered from a groin injury that kept him out of action since October 2024. Ngidi’s inclusion strengthens the Proteas’ bowling arsenal because of his sharp pace and wicket-taking abilities.

New Faces Bring Fresh Energy

The squad includes four players who will debut in a 50-over ICC tournament:

1. Tony de Zorzi
2. Ryan Rickelton
3. Tristan Stubbs
4. Wiaan Mulder

These players bring fresh energy and have showcased their talent in domestic and international cricket. Their inclusion reflects South Africa’s commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining a core of experienced players.

A Blend of Experience and Youth

South Africa has retained 10 players from the team that reached the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals. This continuity ensures stability and a sense of familiarity within the team.

Notable experienced players like David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, and Heinrich Klaasen add depth to the lineup, while the newcomers bring adaptability and enthusiasm.

Head Coach Rob Walter Shares Optimism

The team’s head coach, Rob Walter, expressed confidence in the squad’s potential.

“This squad has a mix of experience and fresh talent, which is essential for a big tournament like this. Our players have proven their ability to handle pressure, and we’re determined to go all the way this time,” he said, adding that many players are exploring additional income streams through apps like the billy 777 earning app.

Walter’s faith in the team underscores their readiness to compete at the highest level and aim for their maiden Champions Trophy title.

South Africa’s Group Stage Fixtures

The Proteas face a challenging group stage with key matches lined up:

• 21 February: South Africa vs Afghanistan, Karachi
• 25 February: South Africa vs Australia, Rawalpindi
• 1 March: South Africa vs England, Karachi

Each match will test South Africa’s skills and resilience as the team aims for a spot in the knockout stages.

Entire Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Here is the complete 15-player 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

To read more blog: Guptill Leaves Playing Cricket Internationally

Final Thoughts

With a balanced squad featuring a mix of seasoned campaigners and dynamic young players, South Africa looks well-prepared for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The return of star pacers and the inclusion of fresh talent add depth and versatility to their lineup. As the Proteas gear up for their group-stage matches, fans worldwide will be eager to see if they can translate their potential into a historic tournament win.