Anrich Nortje returns as South Africa announce 15-man squad for ICC Champions Trophy

South Africa will start their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Afghanistan on February 21.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced their 15-player squad on January 13 for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.

South Africa are in Group B with Afghanistan, England, and Australia. They are scheduled to begin their campaign against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi.

South Africa have been strengthened by the return of fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi after long injury layoffs.

Nortje returns to the ODI team for the first time since September 2023. The star pacer had been sidelined with a stress fracture in his back, which kept him out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and South Africa’s home summer 2024.

Ngidi, on the other hand, has returned after being out of international cricket since October 2024 due to a groin injury.

The Proteas have stuck with the core squad from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where they reached the semi-finals. They have retained 10 out of 15 players from the World Cup.

The squad includes fresh additions in Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Wiaan Mulder, all of whom will be part of their maiden 50-over ICC event.

Speaking on the squad announcement, head coach Rob Walter highlighted that the squad has a wealth of experience, which is crucial in a competition like the Champions Trophy.

He said, “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.“

South Africa ICC Champions Trophy 2025 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 group stage schedule:

21 February – South Africa vs Afghanistan, Karachi

25 February – South Africa vs Australia, Rawalpindi

1 March – South Africa vs England, Karachi

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