The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are still in conversation with Cricket South Africa (CSA) regarding the extension of NOCs (no objection certificates) granted for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. CSA had granted NOCs until May 25 to their centrally contracted players. But due to a 9-day halt, the IPL 2025 Final was shifted from May 25 to June 3.
CSA eye WTC title
This means that South African players will have to leave before the playoffs begin on May 29. If this happens, each of the four teams that might reach the playoffs might be impacted. Therefore, the BCCI has been in conversation with CSA. Earlier, it was reported that CSA won’t extend the NOCs.
“The initial agreement with the IPL and the BCCI was with the final being on May 25; our players would return on the 26th so that it allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th. Nothing has changed from our perspective,” South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad told the media on May 12.
The reason is simple. South Africa are due to face Zimbabwe for a 4-day Test starting May 30 to prepare for their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. They want to win their second ICC title and wish to get their best preparations in.
IPL teams desperate to keep South African players
But teams have already lost some of their foreign players. If South African cricketers leave as well, their chances of winning the IPL trophy will be diminished and the overall quality of the tournament will decrease as well. Therefore, the BCCI are still trying to convince CSA about letting their players stay back for IPL 2025 playoffs.
“We are discussing it with CSA. They have the World Test Championship final from June 11. They have qualified for the first time. It’s very important for them. We have requested them to let the players who are not selected to stay back and let the players who are willing to stay back for the entire tournament,” IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal told the Times of India.
South African players in IPL 2025 & WTC Final 2025
Mumbai Indians: Corbin Bosch and Ryan Rickelton
Gujarat Titans: Kagiso Rabada
Delhi Capitals: Tristan Stubbs
Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram
Punjab Kings: Marco Jansen
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Lungi Ngidi
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Wiaan Mulder
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