May 14, 2025: As the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final approaches next month, South Africa is facing a scheduling dilemma involving key players currently participating in the IPL 2025. The South African squad for the WTC final against Australia includes eight players who are also contracted to IPL teams. However, with the IPL season extended by a week due to the India-Pakistan conflict, there are concerns about player availability ahead of the crucial Test match.
The original IPL 2025 schedule had the season concluding on May 25, but with the revised schedule, the season will now end on June 3, with the final match slated to take place the following day. This extension has created a potential clash with the WTC final, which is set to begin on June 11 at Lord’s.
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Cricket South Africa (CSA) had initially arranged for players to return by May 26 to allow them ample time for preparation before heading to the UK. However, with the new IPL schedule, CSA’s coach Shukri Conrad emphasized that their stance remains unchanged.
“The initial agreement with the IPL and the BCCI was with the final being on the 25th, our players would return on the 26th. So, that allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th,” said Conrad in a statement.
“Nothing has changed from our perspective.”
The eight South African cricketers whose participation is being affected include:
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
- Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
- Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians)
- Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)
- Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)
Of these, Wiaan Mulder will be available on time, as Sunrisers Hyderabad are no longer in playoff contention and play their final league match on May 25. However, the remaining seven players are integral to their IPL teams’ playoff hopes, meaning their availability for the WTC final could be impacted if the IPL season extends beyond the original deadline.
Ongoing Discussions Between CSA and IPL
The matter is currently being addressed at higher levels within CSA, with discussions ongoing between CSA Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe, CEO Pholetsi Moseki, and the BCCI. Nkwe has expressed the organization’s commitment to ensuring their players return on time for the World Test Championship final.
“We are still in discussions with IPL and BCCI,” said Nkwe.
As South Africa prepares for the WTC final, the outcome of these ongoing negotiations will determine whether the team can field their top players for what is expected to be a highly anticipated clash with Australia.