Eight South African cricketers participating in the IPL 2025 are poised to depart by 25th May, according to the initial NOCs (No Objection Certificates) provided. This involves key names like Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, with significant discussions currently unfolding between Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The players in question include Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals), Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), and Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad). They are expected back in South Africa prior to heading off to the United Kingdom on 30th May, putting them out of contention for the rescheduled IPL playoffs.
Given the significance of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, CSA remains optimistic that the BCCI will respect their stance to not prolong player NOCs to 3rd June, though there’s an awareness of the potential strain it could place on the boards’ relationship. Shukri Conrad, the national coach, and Enoch Nkwe, director of national teams and high performance, both reiterate that, as per the initial plan, the 25th May deadline is still valid.
Conrad mentioned in Johannesburg post the WTC squad announcement, “The initial agreement with IPL-BCCI was, with the final being on the 25th, our players would return on the 26th, so that it allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th.” He noted these conversations involve senior figures such as Pholetsi Moselki, the CSA CEO.
Nkwe, speaking at the same event, remarked that discussions are active, and CSA aims to keep their original WTC preparation timetable. “It is an individual decision, obviously, to return or to play or continue,” Nkwe explained. “But one thing we’ve made it clear, and we are finalising that with IPL and BCCI, is sticking to our original plan when it comes to the WTC preparations.”
South Africa will touch down in England on 31st May, engaging in a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel from 3rd June, the same day as IPL’s final. The WTC final is scheduled from 11th to 15th June.
With IPL standings, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians are strongly positioned to be among the top four, with Delhi Capitals still in contention. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad is eliminated, and Lucknow Super Giants are nearly out. The absence of Rabada could impact GT’s playoff hopes, whilst PBKS stands to miss out on Jansen, all hinging on CSA’s adherence to its original agreement.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent for South Africa and women’s cricket.
