ICC Champions Trophy is bigger than the World Cup? Check details

South Africa, also known as the Rainbow Nation, is set to begin their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by participating in the Pakistan ODI Tri-series. This series will be an important opportunity for the Proteas to experiment with team combinations and refine their strategies ahead of the prestigious tournament. The tri-series format, which had fallen out of favor in recent years, is making a comeback, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming event. The series, hosted by Pakistan, will serve as an ideal platform for teams to fine-tune their lineups as they gear up for the Champions Trophy.

Following the conclusion of the first ODI, where New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan in a commanding fashion, South Africa is now in the midst of their clash with the Kiwis in the second ODI. This match is being held at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, starting on Monday, February 9. On the eve of the game, South African captain Temba Bavuma made a bold statement, suggesting that the Champions Trophy could prove to be even tougher than the World Cup. His remarks highlight the fierce competition expected in the upcoming ICC tournament, where every team will be vying for supremacy on the global stage. As South Africa continues their preparations, the Proteas are eager to find the right balance in their squad to take on the world’s best teams in the Champions Trophy.

"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," South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said during the press conference as quoted by Sports Tak.

“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," he further added.

South Africa has opted to field a relatively inexperienced side for the ongoing tri-nation ODI series, primarily due to several key players being occupied with the SA20 2025. Despite the lack of experience, captain Temba Bavuma sees this as a great opportunity for the younger players to step up and gain valuable exposure.

The Proteas are also dealing with injury setbacks, with star pacer Anrich Nortje ruled out due to a recurring injury. In his place, bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch has been given the opportunity to prove himself ahead of the Champions Trophy. Bavuma, however, remains unfazed by the team’s composition, expressing confidence in his side’s ability to perform well in the tri-series and at the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Bavuma also emphasized the importance of experienced players like Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who are expected to play crucial roles in both the series and the global event. As the Proteas prepare for the Champions Trophy, they will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi, where they will aim to build momentum for the prestigious tournament.