Eight South African cricketers are set to leave the IPL before the playoffs to join their national team for the World Test Championship final against Australia. They are expected to depart India by May 25.
Originally, the IPL final was scheduled for May 25, but following recent border tensions with Pakistan, the BCCI postponed the tournament for a week. With conditions stabilizing, the IPL will now resume on May 17, and the final is scheduled for June 3.
However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its players only until May 25 the date initially planned for the IPL final. Despite the updated schedule, CSA has not extended the NOC period, meaning players like Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Lungi Ngidi (RCB), Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals), Aiden Markram (LSG), Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), and Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad) must return home by May 25.
As a result, these players may miss the IPL playoffs. Discussions between CSA and BCCI are ongoing to resolve the issue, but CSA believes BCCI will understand their position, considering the importance of the Test Championship final. Still, CSA officials worry that this could strain relations between the boards.
South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed, “According to the agreement with IPL-BCCI, the players will return by May 26 to prepare for the flight on May 30.” CSA’s Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe added, “This is a personal decision for the players, but we’ve communicated our plans clearly. May 26 is the final return date for Test squad members.”
South Africa will fly to England on May 31 and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe on June 3 — the same day as the IPL final. The World Test Championship final takes place from June 11 to 15. Notably, the IPL group stage ends on May 27, with playoffs starting May 29.