The IPL 2025 playoffs might be heating up, but for South African top cricketers, the focus is already shifting to the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
In a tug-of-war between country and franchise, South Africa has instructed its eight key players currently participating in IPL 2025 to leave India by May 25. The original No Objection Certificates (NOCs) require them to report for national duty by that date.
Whoโs Heading Home?
Hereโs the list of names making the early exit from IPL 2025:
- Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)
- Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Ryan Rickelton & Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
- Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
These players will return home before flying to the UK with the rest of the Proteas squad on May 30, ahead of their WTC Final clash starting June 11.
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The IPL playoffs are set to run beyond May 25, and these playersโ early departure could rule them out of some high-octane action.
Understandably, this hasnโt gone unnoticed. According to reports, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are currently engaged in โongoing conversationsโ about the situation.
Head coach Shukri Conrad was crystal clear in Johannesburg when he said,
“The 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.”
And itโs not just him. Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe echoed the sentiment, โIt is an individual decision, obviouslyโฆ but one thing weโve made clear is sticking to our original plan.โ
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The Bigger Picture: WTC Final Prep in Full Swing
CSA isnโt taking any chances. The South African Test squad will reach England on May 31. They will play a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe on June 3 at Arundel, the same day as the IPL final.
This match will help the team prepare for the WTC Final against Australia, scheduled from June 11 to 15. With NOCs expiring by May 25, all eight players are expected to honour their commitment and prioritise the national cause.
This whole scenario highlights the growing scheduling chaos in global cricket. When two premier events โ the IPL playoffs and the WTC final โ clash, players must choose between chasing glory in franchise cricket and representing their country with pride.
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