South Africa players' full IPL 2025 availability possible as CSA and BCCI engage in talks

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has directed its players involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 to return by May 26 in preparation for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. African cricketers who are selected for the WTC final might end up missing the IPL 2025 playoffs.

The IPL 2025 is set to resume on May 17, with the final scheduled for June 3. This has created a scheduling dilemma for Australian and South African players. IPL franchises and the BCCI have requested international cricket boards to allow their players to remain available for the remainder of the season.

I say the matter is getting finalised by higher-ups - Cricket South Africa

CSA has confirmed that discussions are ongoing at the highest levels between its board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding the return of South African players from the IPL 2025. A decision will only be confirmed once the matter is resolved between the two governing bodies.

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"Yes, we want the Test players back on 26th, but hence I say the matter is getting finalised by higher-ups," Enoch Nkwe, the CSA Director of Cricket, clarified to Cricbuzz on Wednesday (May 14) morning. "(We) can't confirm yet until the matter is settled between the two governing bodies (CSA and BCCI)," the CSA official said.

On Tuesday, CSA named its squad for the World Test Championship Final against Australia, set to begin on June 20 at Lord’s. The selectors included multiple players representing teams in the IPL. These players were expected to return to South Africa by May 26.

South Africa Squad Will Resume Training for the Game on 3rd - CSA

Eight of the 20 South African players currently participating in the IPL have been named in the squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia.

Cricket South Africa announced that the team would assemble in Arundel on May 31 and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6, before moving to London on June 7.

However, Enoch Nkwe said that the timeline might be revised, stating that discussions are ongoing at a higher level and that the team will begin training on June 3, with the focus remaining on preparing for the final.

The CSA announced that "the squad will assemble in Arundel (England), on May 31 and will play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from 03 - 06 June, before heading to London on June 7."

Nkwe hinted at a change in that timeline. "Correction - squad will resume training for the game on 3rd. Like I said, the matter is being discussed higher up than me. At ground level, we are focusing on preps for the WTC Final."

2025 IPL Season Halted on May 9 Due to Military Standoff Between India and Pakistan

The 2025 IPL season was halted on May 9 following a military standoff between India and Pakistan, which erupted after a terrorist attack in South Kashmir on April 22. A ceasefire allowed the BCCI to resume the tournament.

According to the revised schedule, the league stage will conclude on May 27, followed by the playoffs from May 29 to June 3. However, these dates now overlap with South Africa's preparations for the World Test Championship final. GT, RCB, MI, PBKS, DC, and LSG are in contention for a playoff spot.

Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians), Wiaan Moulder (SunRisers Hyderabad), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), Aiden Markram (Lucknow SuperGiants), Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians) and Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) are the eight players who are in the squad for the WTC final.

Also read: 'I didn't really like Virat Kohli': AB de Villiers makes shocking revelation