CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat says his board will extend IPL participation only if India confirm South Africa tour

The chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA) Haroon Lorgat has requested India to confirm their tour to South Africa in December this year. Lorgat sent a letter to Rahul Johri, the CEO at Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying that he would agree to South African cricketers continuing to partake in the Indian Premier League only after the BCCI send in their confirmation for the proposed tour.

Currently, the CSA has the Boxing Day Test on its mind between hosts South Africa and India. However, Rahul Johri has decided not to respond to Lorgat’s letter as of now. He is waiting for the right time to communicate the Indian board’s response to the request.

“I didn’t even bother to communicate. We will communicate when the time is right,” Johri was quoted as saying to the Times of India. Lorgat, however, took a firm stance and decided not to extend the window for South African cricketers who are currently playing in the ongoing IPL. May 8 was the deadline for South Africans taking part in the IPL 2017. The players have now left their respective franchises.

The likes of Hashim Amla and David Miller, both vital players in the Kings XI Punjab side, have left in preparation for the Champions Trophy. Delhi Daredevils all-rounder Chris Morris and pacer Kagiso Rabada is also ofor of action in the remainder of the IPL.

BCCI insiders however stated that India might tour South Africa in early January next year. Many claim that CSA’s stand on the issue regarding India’s participation is clearly “an unfair one”. The matter comes in the wake of a “weak” Indian board which has been unable to assert itself in the ICC.

India last toured South Africa in December 2013. The two teams played 3 ODIs and 2 Tests. Hosts South Africa ended up on the winning side on both occasions.