Cricket South Africa has unveiled its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. The team features a balanced mix of experienced players and fresh talent, aimed at mounting a serious challenge for the prestigious title. However, the announcement has also highlighted the absence of some prominent South African cricketers who are instead set to showcase their skills in the 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 notable group of these stars has not been included in South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad. Factors such as injuries, lack of international experience, and personal commitments have contributed to their exclusion.

South Africa players who will feature in IPL 2025 but won’t 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 prowess, will play for Delhi Capitals 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 Coetzeepurchased by 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 South Africa’s Test series against Sri Lankaand his return to the national team remains uncertain.

3. Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals)

Wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreiraacquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 75 lakhs, has yet to make his ODI debut. Despite his potential, 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, remains a high-profile absentee. 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 2024. His uncertain availability for international duties has contributed to his exclusion.

5. Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants)

Top-order batter Matthew Breetzkebought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 75 lakhs, is another name missing from the Champions Trophy squad. At 26, Breetzke is yet to make his ODI debut, and selectors opted against including him due to his limited exposure in international cricket.

6. Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians)

Right-arm medium pacer Lizaad Williamswho fetched INR 75 lakhs from Mumbai Indiansis also absent from the Champions Trophy lineup. Although part of South Africa’s ODI squad in 2024, injury concerns have sidelined the 31-year-old, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain.

7. Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals)

The 18-year-old left-arm fast bowler You are the catsbought by 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.