ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Cricket is more than just a sport in South Africa, it’s a passion that unites fans across the country. From thrilling Test matches to the high-energy T20 format, South African supporters embrace every form of the game with unwavering enthusiasm.

Whether it’s cheering for the Proteas in the ICC Cricket World Cup, the fast-paced action of the SA20 League, or legendary encounters in Test cricket, the love for the sport runs deep. Among the many prestigious tournaments in international cricket, the ICC Champions Trophy stands out as a fan favourite. Dubbed the “Mini World Cup,” this elite tournament pits the world’s top eight teams against each other in a high-stakes, fast-paced competition where every match counts. The Champions Trophy is a shorter and more intense battle, thus making it one of the most exciting spectacles in the cricketing calendar.

The Grand Return: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy is making a much-anticipated comeback. The 2025 edition is set to commence on Wednesday, February 19th, in Pakistan, marking the country’s first time hosting this prestigious tournament. The matches will be held across three major Pakistani cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—with India playing all their matches in Dubai due to political considerations.

Competing Teams and Groupings

The cricket tournament features eight top-tier teams divided into two groups which are:

• Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
• Group B: South Africa, Australia, England, Afghanistan

The action kicks off with an exciting opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19th at the National Stadium in Karachi.

South Africa’s Path in the Tournament

South Africa, placed in Group B, has a thrilling line-up of matches in the ICC Champions Throphy:

1. Friday, February 21: vs. Afghanistan at National Stadium, Karachi
2. Tuesday, February 25: vs. Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
3. Saturday, March 1: vs. England at National Stadium, Karachi

Following the group stage, the knockout rounds are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, March 4: 1st Semi-Final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• Wednesday, March 5: 2nd Semi-Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Sunday, March 9: Final (venue to be confirmed)

The Protea Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth

Captain Temba Bavuma leads a formidable 15-man squad, also aiming to make a significant impact in the tournament. The team comprises a mix of seasoned players and promising talents:

• Batsmen: Temba Bavuma (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tony de Zorzi
• All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder
• Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs
• Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Corbin Bosch

Notably, fast bowler Anrich Nortje was initially included but had to withdraw due to a back injury. Corbin Bosch is his replacement, bringing fresh energy to the pace attack.

A Must-Watch for Cricket Enthusiasts

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to deliver exhilarating cricketing action, featuring the world’s top teams battling for supremacy. For South African fans, it’s an opportunity to witness their team compete against formidable opponents, showcasing skill, strategy, and passion. The blend of historic rivalries and emerging talents ensures that every match will be a spectacle. As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to unforgettable moments that capture the essence of cricket’s enduring appeal.

Cricket Betting Options

Cricket betting is a rather easy process. There is a bet type for everyone to enjoy responsibly, ranging from simple to more intricate variants.

The most well-liked bets on cricket are the following:

Completed Match, Tied Match, Runs in Innings, and Match Betting. As well as top Bowler, Top Batsman, Over/Under Score and Win Toss. Then you have Odd/Even Runs, Bowler Match Bets and most Sixes by the Man of the Match.

And if you are new to cricket betting, it is worth having a look at our beginners guide to cricket for some guidance and tips. Ensure you shop around a bit before you place your bets, have a look at the markets on offer as well as the odds. There may also be some great promotions specific to cricket.

Cricket Best Betting Sites

There are many licenced cricket betting sites out there worth a try; we have also reviewed the top betting sites for you. So have a look at sites such as Betway, Gbets and Hollywoodbets.

Betway have also launched a great cricket crash game to give a try called betway Catch. It is simple and easy to play with a batsman and a bowler; simply open a betway account and start playing!