South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, has reiterated Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) stance on recalling players from the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) by May 26 despite the tournament’s extended schedule.
The IPL 2025, originally set to conclude on May 25, was suspended on May 9 due to India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians.
A ceasefire on May 10 allowed the league to resume on May 17, with the final now slated for June 3, creating a tight window for the players participating in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final between South Africa and Australia, scheduled for June 11-15 at Lord’s.
Shukri Conrad Wants South African Players to Leave IPL 2025 Before Playoffs
Conrad, recently appointed as South Africa’s all-format coach, addressed the issue during a press conference, standing by the original agreement with the BCCI.
Of the 20 South African players in IPL 2025, eight - Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians), Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians), Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals), Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)—are part of the WTC final squad.
Seven of these players are with teams still in playoff contention, complicating their availability as the IPL playoffs run from May 29 to June 3. CSA’s priority is ensuring these players have adequate preparation time before the marquee clash at Lord’s.
"The initial agreement with the IPL and the BCCI was with the final being on the (May) 25th, our players would return on the 26th so that it allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th. Nothing has changed from our perspective," Conrad said as quoted.
"That is the ongoing conversation that are being had between people in a higher pay grade than I am, i.e. the Director of Cricket (Enoch Nkwe) and Pholetsi Mosek (CSA CEO), so they're dealing with that. But as it stands, we're not budging on that, I don't think. We want our players back on the 26th, and hopefully that comes to fruition," he added.
Discussions between CSA and BCCI officials are ongoing but no concessions have been confirmed.
South Africa’s Full Squad for WTC 2023-25 Final
Conrad’s firm stance reflects the significance of the WTC final, South Africa’s first appearance in the event, and the need to avoid fatigue with only eight days between the IPL and the WTC final.
With South Africa’s non-IPL players departing for England on May 30 and IPL-bound players also expected to join them, Conrad’s focus remains on fielding the strongest Proteas side.
South Africa Squad for WTC 2023-25 Final: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Paterson.
Also read: IPL 2025: Teams Allowed To Pick "Temporary Replacements" For Final Leg
