IPL 2025 Faces Challenges as South Africa Sets Player Return Deadline
South Africa's Deadline for IPL Players
The franchises participating in the IPL are currently facing significant challenges due to a directive from Cricket South Africa (CSA). They have mandated that players must return by May 26 to prepare for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia.
IPL Rescheduling Amid Tensions
The IPL 2025 season was notably suspended due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. However, following a ceasefire agreement, the league has been cleared to resume its matches. The IPL is set to restart on May 17, with the final now scheduled for June 3, which is a nine-day delay from the original date of May 25.
Impact on Players and International Calendar
This revised schedule poses challenges for players, particularly as many international cricket calendars commence on May 25. Consequently, several key playoff matches may be missed by foreign players. Notably, South African players will need to depart by May 26.
South Africa's Preparation for the WTC Final
South Africa has already secured a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025, where they will face Australia at Lord's in London starting June 11. CSA is keen on ensuring their players are in optimal condition and fully prepared for the match.
BCCI Agreement and Player List
Shukri Conrad, the head coach of the South African cricket team, confirmed that an agreement with the BCCI requires their players to return by May 26. A total of 20 South African players are participating in IPL 2025, with eight of them included in the squad for the WTC final. The players are as follows:
List of South African Players in IPL 2025
- Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)
- Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
- Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
- Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians)
- Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)
Upcoming Matches for South Africa
According to reports, the South African team will gather in Arundel, England, on May 31. They are scheduled to play a practice match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6 before heading to London for the final on June 7.
Impact on Other Players
The absence of South African players from the IPL 2025 playoffs is not an isolated case. English players are also expected to miss out due to national commitments, as the ECB has requested their participation in a three-match series against the West Indies starting May 29. Players such as Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Jacob Bethell (RCB), and Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians) are likely to exit the tournament early as their teams vie for playoff positions beginning May 29.