South Africa’s Test squad for the two-match home series against Bangladesh “will be without its IPL players”, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Thursday.
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are contracted to Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, respectively, while Marco Jansen, the left-arm seamer who broke through during South Africa’s victorious home series against India, is set to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad along with Aiden Markram.
Anrich Nortje is injured and the suspense over his IPL availability continues.
South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar had recently said that the players faced a “test of loyalty” and “playing for the country is bigger”.
The five along with Quinton de Kock, Dwaine Pretorius and David Miller have got IPL contracts. IPL 2022 begins from March 26 while the first Test versus Bangladesh is from March 31.
CSA said they don’t have the “liberty to refuse” players an opportunity to take part in the IPL.