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'Excited To Play Golf!' Marco Jansen's Unique Take On Travel Chaos In Champions Trophy

Soumyajit Dutta

Marco Jansen [Source: @the_sports_x/X.com]Marco Jansen [Source: @the_sports_x/X.com]

South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen has downplayed the logistical whirlwind facing his team and Australia ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals, dismissing concerns over back-and-forth travel between Dubai and Pakistan as "no hassle" while cheekily prioritizing golf during the chaos.

After securing their semi-final berth with a commanding win over England on Saturday, South Africa joined Australia in a peculiar predicament. Both teams were required to fly to Dubai after their Group B fixtures, despite a 50% chance one will return to Pakistan for the semi-final in Lahore. 

The scheduling twist stems from the tournament’s hybrid model, co-hosted by the UAE and Pakistan after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. This forces either the Proteas or Aussies to board another flight to Pakistan, a move many call "unnecessary" given the tight turnaround.

Jansen’s Unbothered Take On Travel Chaos

When asked about the travel chaos at a press conference, Jansen brushed off the drama with a laid-back charm.

“Yeah, I don't mind it. I haven't played golf in a long time, so I'm looking forward to that. Yeah, no we don't - luckily it's a short flight. It's an hour-and-a-half flight, so it's sort of like a domestic flight back home. It's not too much of a hassle, or if you can call it that. But yeah, like I said, I'm pretty excited to play some golf.”

Jansen Says Eyes Will Be On India

The 24-year-old Marco Jansen also addressed the challenge of potentially facing India in Dubai, where Rohit Sharma’s side has trained extensively.

“We'll see how they do against New Zealand because obviously, that's going to determine who we play in the semi-final, and that also will tell us where we're playing. But if we play in Dubai and it's against India, obviously they've had training and that kind of stuff, so they will be more used to the conditions." 

Jansen further elaborated that he is confident of playing in Dubai as he has a bit of experience on that pitch. He then also marked the possibility of better luck and a better chance of the team playing a better game that day.

"But we've also played in Dubai, so it's not something new. We play spin really, really well. So, I don't think it's that much of an advantage if you can say it like that. I just think it all comes down to who plays better on the day.”

The lanky all-rounder has been pivotal to South Africa’s campaign, starring with 3/39 and three catches in their must-win clash against England. Reflecting on the Proteas’ semi-final mindset, Jansen remained pragmatic.

“I wouldn't say the mindset changes (heading into the semi-finals); it's just the occasion that's probably a bit more hyped up, I guess. You try your processes, it's a fancy term, but for me it's just you have your steps or your guides that you go into every match and then basically in semi-finals you just try and do that extraordinarily well if that makes sense, whatever that is for you.”

Proteas Primed for Glory

South Africa, unbeaten in the tournament so far, appears unstoppable. Their bowling attack, led by Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, has dismantled oppositions, while Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen have anchored the batting. 

Though rain robbed fans of a potential thriller against Australia in the group stage, their dominance over England sent a clear message.