No WTC final-bound South Africans in IPL playoffs, West Indies boost for teams: Report
In a major setback for several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, South African players selected for the World Test Championship (WTC) final will not be available for the IPL 2025 play-offs. According to news agency PTI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed franchises to release eight South African players by 26 May.The IPL 2025 season, which is set to resume after a one-week suspension due to cross-border tensions, was initially set to conclude on 25 May. However, the final has been rescheduled to 3 June, with the play-offs starting on 29 May — just two days after the league stage ends.advertisementThe BCCI had been in talks with overseas cricket boards to ensure the availability of players for the play-offs and final. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) held firm on its stance, requiring WTC-bound players to return home by 26 May.
"The South African players must return to South Africa at the latest by Monday, 26 May," the BCCI informed franchises in an official communication, according to PTI.In contrast, the BCCI confirmed that West Indies players will be available for the remainder of the tournament — a boost for several teams in the business end of the season.Eight South African players, including Tristan Stubbs (DC), Wiaan Mulder (SRH), Kagiso Rabada (GT), Corbin Bosch (MI), Ryan Rickelton (MI), Marco Jansen (PBKS), Lungi Ngidi (RCB), Aiden Markram (LSG), will not be available for the play-offs stages. advertisementWhile SunRisers Hyderabad are already out of play-off contention, the absence of these key players could significantly impact the hopes of Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals.South Africa will play in the WTC final for the first time in their history, facing defending champions Australia at The Oval in London from 11 to 15 June. Their 15-man squad was announced on Wednesday, as they aim to end their long-standing global title drought.England players selected for the upcoming white-ball series from 29 May to 10 June will also be unavailable for the IPL play-offs. Jos Buttler will be available for Gujarat Titans' final three league matches but will miss the knockouts if the franchise qualifies. Rajasthan Royals will be without Jofra Archer for the remainder of the season.Many overseas players had already departed India after the IPL was temporarily halted due to escalating cross-border tensions following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 tourists dead. The 8 May match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off mid-way amid the unrest.India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire on May 10, halting the hostilities that had ensued since India destroyed nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan, killing 100 terrorists, in Operation Sindoor. The ceasefire came after India pounded 11 military sites and airbases in Pakistan after it launched a series of drone and missile attacks on border states.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune InMust Watch
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