IPL 2021: Franchises seek clarity over availability of SA players
The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have sought clarity over the availability of South African players for the upcoming season. It is understood that a couple of teams have officially taken up the issue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a white-ball series against Pakistan in April. Here is more.
South Africa to host Pakistan in April
The PCB, on Friday, confirmed that Pakistan will travel to SA for three ODIs and four T20Is in April. Notably, the three ODIs will be a part of ICC Super League, a pathway that ensures direct qualification for the 2023 WC. The ODIs will be played on April 2, 4 and 7, while T20Is will take place on April 10, 12, 14 and 16.
DC and CSK could be the worst affected
The rosters of five IPL franchises comprise several SA players. Notably, DC and CSK have a couple of players each. Hence, they could be the worst affected if the South Africans arrive late. It has been learned the franchises could lose the players for "two games or for two weeks", but the exact duration will also depend on the venue and the quarantine requirement.
BCCI to discuss the matter with Cricket South Africa
As per reports, the franchise officials have taken up the matter with the BCCI. The cricket board has assured they will seek clarity from CSA. The BCCI had recently informed the franchises that it "will send the availability details of overseas players shortly".
Rabada and Nortje contributed to DC's incredible run
Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje were the star performers for Delhi Capitals in the 2020 season. Between them, the two pacers had taken over 50 wickets (52) as DC reached the grand finale for the first time in IPL history. Rabada finished with 30 wickets from 17 matches, while Nortje snapped up 22 scalps in 16 matches.
Other SA players retained by the franchises
Besides Rabada and Nortje, Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings), Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians), AB de Villiers (Royals Challengers Bangalore) and David Miller (Rajasthan Royals) are the other South African players retained by the franchises.
The South African players to go under the hammer
As many as 14 other South African players shortlisted by the franchises will go under the hammer at the auction on February 18. These are Chris Morris, Van der Dussen, Wayne Parnell, Beuran Hendricks, Hardus Viljoen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Daryn Dupavillon, Morne Morkel, George Linde, Dwaine Pretorius, David Wiese, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen and Jacques Snyman.
