Follow UsSouth African captain Temba Bavuma said the Champions Trophy's format makes it more challenging than the World Cup. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be played in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19, each team will play only three league games before the knockouts, compared to nine in the ODI World Cup.
“In the World Cup, you have time to take stock and step up. But in the Champions Trophy you can’t do that but we are hopeful of going one step further in the tournament. Obviously, we have our sights on where we want to be in the Champions Trophy this time but the format makes it more challenging for teams when you look at the 50-over World Cup,” said Bavuma.
South Africa are placed in Group B alongside England, Australia and Afghanistan. Bavuma and his men will start their campaign against Afghanistan on February 21. The Proteas are currently involved in a tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand but are without some of their star players, who are currently playing in the SA20 2025.
“It is a lovely opportunity for a couple of guys who have been doing well in domestic cricket and in T20 leagues to make a statement on what value they can add to the team. The tri-series will give us a chance to acclimatise to playing in Pakistan and get knowledge to share it with a wider group and it is also an opportunity for young players to keep on playing in future.”
