Eight key South African players will depart the IPL 2025 early to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Scheduled to leave by 27th May, these players will miss the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League if their teams qualify.
Kagiso Rabada, playing for Gujarat Titans, and Aiden Markram, from Lucknow Super Giants, headline the list. Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch will also join the South African squad travelling to the UK on 30th May. Their departure is to allow time to acclimatise and participate in a practice match against Zimbabwe from 3rd June at Arundel, prior to the WTC final clash with Australia at Lord’s on 11th June.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) negotiated with the IPL for the advance release of these players, underscoring the significance of the WTC final. “It’s crucial for us to have our strongest squad,” a CSA spokesperson shared. “We value both the players’ IPL commitments and the importance of this Test Championship opportunity.”
Those not included in the WTC selection will remain with their IPL teams till the tournament concludes.
Firdose Moonda, ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent for South Africa and women’s cricket, reported the news, emphasising the balance between domestic leagues and international duty.
