What This World Cup Means to the Proteas – In One Word
Good Things Guy | 05.02.2026 20:30
From “inspiring” to “everything”, the Proteas T20 squad explains what this World Cup means to them as they prepare to take on the global stage
Navi Mumbai, India (05 February 2026)- South Africa’s senior men’s cricket team is gearing up for another shot at World Cup glory, and ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Proteas have summed up what the tournament means to them in just one word.
In a video shared by the team, players were asked a simple question: What does this World Cup mean to you? The answers came quickly and honestly: inspiring, “opportunity”, “amazing”, “redemption”, and many others. Different words, but a shared message: this tournament matters.
For a group that has come close before, the World Cup represents more than just another competition. It is a chance to write a new chapter and to chase history.
The one-word answers reflect the emotions within the squad, the excitement of representing South Africa, the responsibility of wearing the green and gold, and the hunger to go one step further.
The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway this weekend, with matches staged across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka. A total of 55 games will be played between 7 February and 8 March, as the world’s best T20 sides compete for the trophy.
Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas will open their campaign on 9 February against Canada, before concluding their group-stage matches on 18 February against the UAE. South Africa finds itself in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the UAE.
While the fixtures and venues set the stage, the video offers a glimpse into the mindset of the players themselves. In just one word, they capture the determination that comes with a World Cup campaign.
