The South African cricketers participating in IPL 2025 have been asked to return home by May 26 to begin preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final starting on June 11 at Lord’s.
South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed during a press conference on May 13 that the initial agreement with IPL and BCCI was to release players after the IPL final scheduled for May 25. “We’ve stuck to our plan and want the players back by May 26,” said Conrad, although he acknowledged ongoing talks with BCCI.
Who’s Returning Early?
Eight South African cricketers have been selected for the WTC Final squad:
- Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)
- Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
- Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
- Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians)
- Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)
Sunrisers Hyderabad have already been knocked out of playoffs, making Mulder’s return by May 26 highly likely. With Lucknow’s playoff chances slim, their players could also return on time, though their final match is set for May 27 against RCB.
Coordination with BCCI Ongoing
South Africa’s director of cricket Enoch Nkwe noted that discussions with BCCI are ongoing. Despite scheduling uncertainties, South African cricketers picked for the final must assemble in Arundel, England by May 31. They will play a practice match against Zimbabwe from June 3–6 and then travel to London on June 7.
IPL Rescheduling Affects Return Plans
The IPL was paused for a week, pushing the league phase end date to May 27. Playoffs are now set to begin from May 29, which may complicate the departure plans of South African cricketers still in contention.
Other South Africans Still Active in IPL
Several players not selected for the WTC Final are still part of IPL teams:
- Dewald Brevis (CSK)
- Faf du Plessis & Donavon Ferreira (DC)
- Gerald Coetzee (GT)
- Quinton de Kock & Anrich Nortje (KKR)
- David Miller & Matthew Breetzke (LSG)
- Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, Luan-dre Pretorius (RR)
- Heinrich Klaasen (SRH)
With the IPL resuming on May 17, these players will continue representing their franchises, though those not in the WTC Final plans face no urgent return deadline.
