The Champions Trophy has officially begun, and the excitement has been palpable over the past few days with thrilling fixtures.

Now, it’s time for the Proteas to start their journey in this prestigious tournament with a challenging match against Afghanistan.

South African cricket fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats, hoping their team can make a breakthrough and secure that long-awaited ICC title.

While South Africa may not be the overwhelming favourite in the tournament, there is a lingering hope that this year could be the one they finally silence the critics and erase years of disappointment.

The Proteas’ road to victory starts with a match against Afghanistan, and the anticipation is high.

Proteas’ Opening Fixture Against Afghanistan

The match between South Africa and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 AM South African time.

This opening match is crucial for Temba Bavuma’s squad as they look to start their campaign strong.

Upcoming Fixtures for the Proteas

After the Afghanistan game, the Proteas will have a tough challenge against Australia on 25 February in Rawalpindi.

Then, they’ll head back to Karachi for their final group stage match against England on 1 March.

The group stages will be a real test, but South Africa has the potential to overcome these challenges and make it to the semi-finals.

Full Fixtures of the ICC Champions Trophy – Proteas’ Matches

Friday, 21 February – 14:00 (11:00 SAST)
Afghanistan vs South Africa – The National Stadium, Karachi
Tuesday, 25 February – 14:00 (11:00 SAST)
Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Saturday, 1 March – 14:00 (11:00 SAST)
South Africa vs England – The National Stadium, Karachi

The Proteas Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma leads the team as captain, joined by an experienced squad including:

Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Marco Jansen (North West University Dragons)
Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans)
David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions)
Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions)
Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions)
Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors)
Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions)

Travelling Reserve:

Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions)

Proteas Management Team:

Rob Walter (Head Coach)
Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager)
Imraan Khan (Batting Coach)
Anton Roux (Bowling Coach)
Wandile Gwavu (Fielding Coach)
Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst)
Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist)
Dr Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor)
Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur)
Lucy Davey (Media Manager)
Brian Khonto (Security Officer)

A Brief History of the ICC Champions Trophy

The tournament, initially known as the ICC Knockout, was first held in 1998 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In 2000, it was held again in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and was held every two years until 2009.

That year, the tournament was played in South Africa after the 2008 edition was cancelled due to political unrest in Pakistan.

The tournament now takes place every four years, featuring the top eight teams based on the ICC’s one-day rankings.

The competition is structured with two groups of four teams, and the top two teams from each group move on to the semi-finals, leading up to the final.

The event is designed to be short, sharp, and highly competitive.