IPL 2020: Massive Doubt Lingers Over South African Cricketers' Participation, Franchise Owner Says 'We're Looking For Solution'

The participation of South African cricketers in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) remain in doubts. The thirteenth edition of the IPL is set to start from September 19 in the UAE. And while the BCCI is currently working to ensure that IPL 2020 takes place in a smooth manner, there is little clarity over the participation of the South African players.

The African nation continues to remain in lockdown and all the international and provincial borders are closed for now. According to media reports, the restrictions on borders and commercial flight operations could continue as long as September as cases are rising in the country at an alarming rate.

Thus, the participation of the South African players remains quite doubtful – at least for the initial phase of the tournament. Even if the lockdown is lifted in September and the players are allowed to travel to UAE, they are set to meet the initial few games.

Barring Imran Tahir, most of the South African cricketers are set to miss the Caribbean Premier League, which begins later this month. Tahir will be able to participate in the tournament because he was stuck in Pakistan.

One of the franchise owners has said that the franchise is in constant touch with the South African players while also hinting that the they will wait for the BCCI’s policy on player replacements, before taking a call on the future.

“We are in constant touch with the players from South Africa. There are challenges for sure, but we are trying to look for a solution,” the franchise boss told Sportstar.

The report further stated that all the eight teams might come together and look at chartering a flight to fly the South African contingent to the UAE.

Here is a list of South African players for IPL 2020:

Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Ngidi Lungi

Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock

Rajasthan Royals: David Miller

Royal Challengers Bangalore: AB de Villiers, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn

Kings XI Punjab: Hardus Viljoen, Jonty Rhodes (coaching staff)

Delhi Capitals: Kagiso Rabada

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