Dean Elgar
Dean Elgar was named South Africa Test captain (Twitter)

South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar admitted that the country’s Indian Premier League (IPL) bound players were put in a hard situation of choosing to play in the cash-rich league or playing for the country at home against Bangladesh for the two-Test series.

All the players who would have been part of the Test squad – including the full, frontline pace attack – opted to join up with the IPL franchises and leave South Africa’s selectors to pick their “next best”. Dean Elgar had previously called it a test of loyalty as well while talking about South Africa’s IPL-bound players’ conundrum.

Also according to the Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) memorandum of understanding with the South African Cricketers’ Association, the board makes provision to release players for a seven-week window to the IPL but can insist the players fulfill international commitments if needed.

Anrich Nortje
Image Source: Twitter

Dean Elgar said ahead of the first Test to be played in Durban: “I think they were put in a situation that was unavoidable, bearing in mind that quite a few of the guys have never had IPL experience before. I don’t think they wanted to hurt their opportunity going forward in the competition.”

The Players Were Put In A Bit Of A Situation With Regards To Making Themselves Available: Dean Elgar

Elgar said that he came to an understanding with the players, but didn’t reveal the exact nature of the conversation. He also said that as far as he is concerned, the players who were contracted to play in the IPL 2022, were put in a bit of a situation of choosing their country or the T20 league which entails significant money for two months of work.

“I’m comfortable where I sit with the players who aren’t here. I’ve had some really good, in-detail chats with those players just to find out where they are mentally. I’m very comfortable with the answers that they’ve given me.

Dean Elgar-Kagiso Rabada
Photo Credit: (Twitter)

I’m pretty confined with regards to what I can and can’t say but the players were put in a bit of a situation with regards to making themselves available. I’m sure they wouldn’t have made a rash decision if it didn’t mean a hell of a lot to them. I’ve had conversations with players and I know where they stand with regards to the Test side and playing Test cricket,” Elgar said ahead of the first Test to be played in Durban.

Experienced players like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Aiden Markram, and Rassie van der Dussen are unavailable for the Tests which means the Proteas might field a severely inexperienced bowling attack and as many as four debutants- Ryan Rickelton, Khaya Zondo, Lizaad Williams and Daryn Dupavillon.

Read More  IPL Live Streaming In India– When and Where To Watch RCB vs KKR Live In India? IPL 2024, Match 10

Also Read: IPL For Women Is Long Overdue – Punjab Kings Co-Owner Ness Wadia “More Than Interested” To Own A Team In Women’s IPL