IPL 2022: Anrich Nortje doubtful for the season, BCCI to contact CSA regarding availability of South African players

In what can be called a major blow for Delhi Capitals, Anrich Nortje’s participation in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is doubtful as the speedster hasn’t bowled much since November last year amid injury issues. With Nortje being a vital cog of South Africa’s national team across formats, it remains to be seen if CSA’s medical team will give him the clearance to participate in IPL, given the T20 World Cup 2022 takes place later this year in Australia.

Meanwhile, several other South African players are in danger of missing out on the first three weeks of IPL due to their home series against Bangladesh, which includes three ODI and two Tests ending on April 12. While Quinton De Kock, who has retired from Test cricket, will be available for Lucknow Supergiants right from the start, there is no clarity on whether Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and Lungi Ngidi will be available before the Bangladesh series ends.

South African players to chose between IPL and national duty 

Owing to the same, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to reach out to CSA director Graeme Smith regarding the availability of Proteas players. “The BCCI will be approaching Graeme Smith and check out if some of the top players are available at least a bit earlier. We are hopeful of a solution as we share great rapport with CSA,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by Zee News.

“Some of the franchises will be hurting if they aren’t available for three weeks,” added the official. Meanwhile, it must be noted that CSA has allowed its players to pick between national duty and IPL. On being asked about the same, South Africa’s Test skipper Dean Elgar said the loyalty of Proteas players stands a test.

“The players need to give Cricket South Africa an indication of if they are keen to go to IPL or if they are keen to play for Test side. It’s a bit of a tough one putting that in the players’ box but this I guess, this is where you see where players’ loyalty lies,” Elgar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.