South African Players Set to Depart for WTC Final Before IPL Playoffs
South African Players Set to Depart for WTC Final Before IPL Playoffs
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Eight South African cricketers playing in both the IPL 2025 and the World Test Championship (WTC) final are set to leave India by May 25, according to their initial agreements. These players include Kagiso Rabada (GT), Lungi Ngidi (RCB), Tristan Stubbs (DC), Aiden Markram (LSG), Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch (both MI), Marco Jansen (PBKS), and Wiaan Mulder (SRH).
They will return to South Africa before heading to the UK on May 30 with their teammates. This means they could miss the IPL playoffs, a matter still being discussed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the BCCI. Since the WTC final is a major event, CSA hopes BCCI will understand their decision not to extend the players' stay until June 3. However, CSA is also concerned about potential tensions between the two boards.
CSA's national coach, Shukri Conrad, and director of national teams, Enoch Nkwe, reaffirmed that the May 25 deadline remains in place. Conrad mentioned that CSA's leadership is handling discussions with BCCI, but the original plan was for players to return by May 26 to prepare for the WTC final. Nkwe added that, while it is ultimately the players' choice, CSA is finalizing arrangements to stick to their plan, ensuring the test team returns by May 26.
South Africa will land in England on May 31 and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3. The WTC final will take place from June 11 to 15.
Currently, GT, RCB, PBKS, and MI are in strong positions to qualify for the IPL playoffs, with DC still having a chance. SRH is already eliminated, while LSG is close to being knocked out. If CSA sticks to its original schedule, GT may lose Rabada for the playoffs, and PBKS may be without Jansen.