The Indian Premier League’s 18th season is just around the corner, kicking off on May 17 with a match between RCB and KKR. The final is set for June 3. However, Cricket South Africa has thrown a wrench into the works by recalling its players participating in the World Test Championship on June 11.
CSA has asked its players to return by May 26 to prepare for the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15. This move affects six IPL teams still in the playoff race, including Mumbai Indians, RCB, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings.
Eight South African players are part of the WTC final squad, and they’re currently playing for different IPL teams. These players are:
- Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)
- Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians)
- Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
- Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
- Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)
Only Sunrisers Hyderabad is out of the playoff race. The IPL 2025 final was initially set for May 25 but was postponed due to the India-Pakistan situation. It is now rescheduled for June 3, just a week before the WTC final.
CSA’s Stance
CSA wants its players back by May 26 to give them enough time to prepare for the WTC final. South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, said that the decision is final and that they expect the players to return as planned. The CSA CEO and cricket director are handling the negotiations with the IPL teams. Conrad emphasized that they won’t back down on their decision.