IPL 2021: Participation of South African players in doubt due to their Sri Lanka tour

The UAE leg of the IPL 2021is all set to kick off in September as the initial leg of the league had to be stopped midway due to COVID-19 concerns. It was in talks that the participation of foreign players is amid question as they had to ply their trades in bilateral series. In the latest turn of events, a doubt has come over from the South African players.

There has been a stir among IPL teams regarding the participation of Proteas from the beginning of the extravagant T20 league. The SA team have to tour Sri Lanka for their white-ball series which consists of three ODIs and three T20Is and ends on September 12. Now, it would be a thing to see if the UAE government will allow them bio bubble to bio bubble transfer.

And, if that is not the case, they will have to miss the beginning portion of the UAE leg of IPL 2021. A similar transfer will also be required for the players who would be plying their trades in CPL 2021 that ends on September 15. It has to be noted that all the countries do keep in mind the fixture of IPL to avoid the clash with their own T20 leagues but a lot of issues have started to come in wake of COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

BCCI trying to find a middle path with ECB for IPL 2021

As per the latest meeting held by BCCI, it was reported by Cricbuzz that the Indian Board is trying to work with the Board of other countries to ensure their participation in the second phase of IPL. The officials who attended the meeting also stated that efforts are being made to make things smooth with ECB as well because many English players are an integral part of the IPL teams.

ECB already made it clear earlier that their players won’t be available for the UAE leg of IPL as they would be busy with bilateral commitments. However, things are being tried to get on the middle path and the final decision will be taken by the end of this week.