CSA backtracks, stating Proteas will stay in IPL until 3 June

CSA backtracks, stating Proteas will stay in IPL until 3 June

Cricket South Africa has backtracked on its original plan to have key Proteas playing in the Indian Premier League back with the Test squad by 26 May ahead of the World Test Championship final.

The Proteas are set to face Australia in the WTC final at the iconic Lord's, starting on 11 June. However, many of their superstars are playing their trade in India for their various IPL franchises.

Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder form the backbone of the South African Test squad. However, they also play vital roles in their IPL teams.

CSA director Enoch Nkwe emphasised that it is finalising arrangements with the IPL and BCCI to adhere to its original plan for WTC preparations, with May 26 initially set as the latest date for Test players to return.

However, tensions between India and Pakistan saw the IPL suspended for a week and now the BCCI has moved the IPL Final from 25 May to 3 June.

"Correction - the squad will resume training for the game on June 3rd," Nkwe told the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday.

"The matter is being discussed higher up than me. At ground level, we are focusing on preparations for the WTC final."  

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