With the IPL 2025 season in its crescendo, there is a difficult choice to make for certain South African big names. These players could not be required to pack their bags ahead of time — not before the IPL playoffs, at least.
What exactly is going on, who is involved, and what could this potentially mean for IPL teams and the South African team?
What’s the Issue?
As many as eight South African cricketers who are taking part in IPL 2025 are set to leave India by May 25. Why? To get ready for the WTC Final in a week.
Their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) — the official documents permitting them to feature in the IPL — are valid only until that date. That could potentially see the missing men miss the playoffs of the IPL if their franchise goes that far.
Which Players Are Affected?
Here are the South African players who could miss the playoffs:
- 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
- Wiaan Mulder – Sunrisers Hyderabad
All of them are likely to fly home ahead of their team’s departure to the UK on May 30.
Why the Early Exit?
South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad has confirmed that the deadline for those guys to be back is May 26 – just one day after the final of the IPL.
He explained,
“The initial agreement with IPL-BCCI was for our players to return on the 26th, giving them enough time to prepare before we leave on the 30th.”
But the matter is still being discussed between Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as teams might need their star players during the business-end knockout games.
Will There Be a Compromise?
The game’s outcome is not up to the players or the coach. Discussions are ongoing between senior officials from CSA and the BCCI to try to strike a middle ground.
Coach Conrad added,
“That conversation’s being had at a higher level — between [director of cricket] Enoch Nkwe and CSA’s CEO [Pholetsi] Moseki. We have communicated that we would like the players back by the 26th, so hopefully that is the case.”
What Does This Hold for the IPL Teams?
Failing to agree would mean that IPL teams would lose their South African stars right before the playoffs. That may have implications depending on how it affects teams and performance in the decisive stage of the tournament.
Conclusion
If nothing changes, the play-offs of IPL 2025 might just be devoid of some of the best internationals. Whether CSA and BCCI reach an agreement, we’ll find out soon — but one thing’s for sure: the next few weeks are going to be very important both on and off the field.
