Cricket South Africa presented his team for ICC Champions Trophy 2025which will be held in Pakistan and UAE. The squad consists of a balanced mix of experienced players and fresh talent, aiming to mount a serious challenge for the prestigious title. However, the announcement also highlighted the absence of some prominent South African cricketers who are instead set to showcase their skills in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
The Proteas’ cricketers have consistently delivered stellar performances in the IPL, making them sought-after players in the tournament. However, a significant group of these stars have not been included in the South African squad for the Champions Trophy. Factors such as injuries, lack of international experience and personal commitments contributed to their exclusion.
South African players who will feature in IPL 2025 but will not represent their nation in the Champions Trophy
1. Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals)
Former South African captain Faf du Plessisknown for his leadership and batting skills, will play for Capitals of Delhi in IPL 2025 after being bought for INR 2 crore. Du Plessis, who last played an ODI in June 2019, has prioritized franchise cricket over international commitments, leading to his omission from the Champions Trophy squad.
2. Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans)
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzeebought Gujarat Titans for INR 2.40 crore, is absent from the Champions Trophy squad due to a persistent groin injury. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the Test series against South Africa Sri Lankaand his return to the national team is also uncertain.
Also READ: The reason why Pakistan hasn’t announced its Champions Trophy 2025 ODI squad.
3. Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals)
Wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreirawho was bought by Delhi Capitals for INR 75 lakh, is yet to make his ODI debut. Despite his potential, the South African selectors overlooked him for the Champions Trophy, citing his lack of experience on the international stage.
4. Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kockwho joined Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 6.30 crore, the high profiler remains absent. De Kock retired from Test cricket in 2021 to focus on limited-overs formats, but has not represented South Africa since the T20 World Cup in 2024. His uncertain availability for international duty contributed to his exclusion.
5. Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants)
Excellent dough Matthew Breetzkebought Lucknow Super Giants for INR 75 lakh, is another name missing from the Champions Trophy squad. At 26, Breetzke is yet to make his ODI debut and the selectors declined to include him due to his limited exposure in international cricket.
6. Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians)
Right arm medium pacer Lizaad Williamswhich fetched INR 75 lakh from Mumbai Indianshe is also absent from the Champions Trophy. Despite being part of South Africa’s 2024 ODI squad, injury concerns have dogged the 31-year-old, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain.
7. Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals)
18-year-old left-handed fastball pitcher Kwena Maphakbought Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.50 crore, has impressed in domestic cricket but lacks experience in overseas conditions. Despite his promising talent, Maphaka’s inexperience in international cricket led to his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad.
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