Kolkata: Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Thursday that the South African Test team for the two-match home series against Bangladesh “will be without its IPL players.” The 15-man team released by CSA did not include players like Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Rassie van der Dussen.
South Africa’s 2-1 series triumph over India, as well as the away series versus New Zealand, featured Jansen, Markram, Ngidi, and Dussen. However, the five cricketers, as well as Quinton de Kock, Dwaine Pretorius, and David Miller have IPL commitments, which conflict with Bangladesh Tests. The IPL 2022 begins on March 26, while the first Test between South Africa and Bangladesh is set to begin on March 31.
CSA said they don’t have the “liberty to refuse” players an opportunity to take part in the IPL.
“The team will be without its IPL players. CSA’s current MOU with @SACAplayers states that CSA is not at liberty to refuse players the opportunity to take part in the IPL, as CSA and SACA look to balance the livelihoods and opportunities of players and their national duties,” said CSA in a statement.
Dean Elgar's #Proteas squad to take on Bangladesh in the 2️⃣ match #BetwayTestSeries.
Khaya Zondo receives his first Test call-up.
📅 31 Mar – 12 Apr
🏟️ Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban | St George's Park, Gqeberha#SAvBAN #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/F1GIk6a4Du— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 17, 2022
Because of the unavailability of regular stars, Khaya Zondo was given his maiden Test call-up. “The loss of the IPL players is not ideal, but we back the CSA system, its ever-growing pipeline and most of all, the players we have selected,” said CSA Convenor of Selectors, Victor Mpitsang.
South Africa will also play Bangladesh in three one-day internationals beginning on Friday. IPL contracts have been signed by eight players from that squad. However, with the series ending on March 23, only three days before the start of the IPL 2022, it’s likely that they’ll all be available for selection.
