IPL 2019: South Africa yet to decide on release of players

CSA CEO Thabang Moroe, president Chris Nenzani and the coach Ottis Gibson are meeting at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town to decide on the date of release of the players

While the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just a few days away, there is tension brewing with Protea cricketers as Cricket South Africa (CSA) hasn’t taken any decision in releasing them for the cash-rich T20 league.

With the World Cup around the corner and the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka their last international commitment before the showpiece event ends on March 24, CSA feels that the players must finish the series before they leave for India. But the players are keen to be present from the start of the 12th edition of the cash-rich league.

As per media reports, CSA CEO Thabang Moroe, president Chris Nenzani and the coach Ottis Gibson are meeting at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town to decide on the date of release of the players.

“The three are meeting in Newlands today and will decide on when the Proteas players will be released for the IPL. While there is no doubt that the players are keen to be a part of the T20 league, it is also true that they are committed to playing for the country. An outcome is expected on this soon,” said a CSA official

A senior BCCI functionary has confirmed the issue with the dates and said that a final call on the players from South Africa is expected soon.

“The South African players are currently busy with international commitments as the team is playing the last of the 5-match ODI series on Saturday and will then play three T20Is. The last T20I ends on March 24, so it will not be possible for those picked in the T20I squad for the Lanka series to come before March 25,” he said.