Johannesburg, May 14—South African cricketers named in the squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia are unlikely to play in the IPL playoffs, as Cricket South Africa (CSA) stands firm on its national commitment.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the IPL will resume on May 17, with the final scheduled for June 3. However, this revised timeline overlaps with South Africa’s preparations for the WTC Final, which is set to begin on June 11 in London.
He added, “May 26 is the latest for the Test guys to return. The original plans don't change because the No. 1 priority is the WTC Final. We've engaged with them over the last day or two to ensure we're all on the same page.”
He added, “That is the ongoing conversation between people with higher pay grades than I am. They're dealing with that. We want our players back on the 26th and hopefully that comes to fruition.”
Under the revised schedule, the league stage ends on May 27, with the playoffs slated from May 29 to June 3. These dates directly conflict with South Africa's national team training and travel plans.
As the WTC Final approaches, CSA’s unwavering position signals its determination to chase global glory, even at the cost of disrupting its players’ IPL commitments.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the IPL will resume on May 17, with the final scheduled for June 3. However, this revised timeline overlaps with South Africa’s preparations for the WTC Final, which is set to begin on June 11 in London.
CSA Maintains WTC as Top Priority
CSA’s Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, clarified the board's position in a press conference, stating, “It is an individual decision to return or to play or continue. One thing we've made clear, and we are finalising this with the IPL and the BCCI, is sticking to our original plan regarding the WTC preparations.”He added, “May 26 is the latest for the Test guys to return. The original plans don't change because the No. 1 priority is the WTC Final. We've engaged with them over the last day or two to ensure we're all on the same page.”
Players Affected Across Franchises
Eight South African players currently participating in the IPL are part of the Proteas squad for the WTC Final:- Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)
- Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
- Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Head Coach Reinforces the Directive
South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad backed CSA’s decision, noting, “Our initial agreement with IPL-BCCI was, with the final being on the 25th, our players would return on the 26th, so that it allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th. As it stands, we're not budging on this.”He added, “That is the ongoing conversation between people with higher pay grades than I am. They're dealing with that. We want our players back on the 26th and hopefully that comes to fruition.”
IPL Resumes After Conflict-Driven Suspension
The IPL was suspended on May 9 due to a military confrontation between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in South Kashmir. A ceasefire announced the following day enabled the tournament’s resumption.Under the revised schedule, the league stage ends on May 27, with the playoffs slated from May 29 to June 3. These dates directly conflict with South Africa's national team training and travel plans.
Mixed Reactions from Other Boards
While CSA has adopted a strict stance, Cricket Australia has left the decision up to individual players. Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly reviewing the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) granted to its players.As the WTC Final approaches, CSA’s unwavering position signals its determination to chase global glory, even at the cost of disrupting its players’ IPL commitments.
