South Africa's IPL-bound players set to miss Bangladesh Tests

The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 26. Cricketers from various countries are set to miss the start of the tournament due to international commitments. There were clouds over availability of South Africa players as well with their home series against Bangladesh scheduled during the IPL. However, it is understood now that the Proteas red-ball players will prefer IPL over Test matches now.

South Africa’s Test skipper Dean Elgar had called it ‘litmust test of loyalty’ for his players and had also said that he will try to persuade the cricketers to stay back for the Test series. But it has been reported that the IPL-bound players have unanimously taken the decision to travel to India to play in the T20 extravaganza during the Test series.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has always released its players for the IPL according to the agreement with the BCCI. Also, they have made an effort to not keep any international fixtures during the T20 tournament. However, with the extended window this time for the IPL, their Test series against Bangladesh has clashed with it.

“The original agreement with the BCCI was that we would release our players for the IPL. But the IPL window has gotten bigger, and our agreement remains the same,” a source close to the developments told ESPNCricinfo.

South Africa will be without their frontline pacers

South Africa will now be without their frontline pace attack comprising Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen for the Test series against Bangladesh. Anrich Nortje has not played any international cricket for quite some time now due to injury and his availability for the IPL continues to be a mystery.

Proteas bowling attack will wear a new look now with Lizaad Williams and Lutho Sipamla expected to be picked for Bangladesh Tests. Keshav Maharaj is a frontline spinner while the selectors are also likely to ponder over picking George Linde. Meanwhile, the ESPNCricinfo report also stated that Rabada could be asked to stay at least for the first Test but the players are likely to prefer IPL.