Playing IPL Doesn't Make The Players Less Patriotic: Cricket South Africa Defends Its Players

CSA's CEO Pholetsi Moseki defended the players who chose to play in the IPL instead of playing Test matches for South Africa. He said that playing in the IPL doesn't make the players "less patriotic".

South African cricketers, who are part of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) decided to unanimously skip the home Test series against Bangladesh. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) had left it to players to choose between playing in the IPL and playing for South Africa. 

Despite captain Dean Elgar's statement about the "loyalty" test of players, 11 SA players will be taking part in the IPL from March 26. These players will be skipping the Bangladesh Test series that is slated to be played between March 31 and April 12.

CSA's chief executive officer, Pholetsi Moseki defended the players who chose to play in the IPL instead of playing Test matches for South Africa. He said that playing in the IPL doesn't make the players "less patriotic".

Understanding the importance of the monetary advantages that the players get by playing in the IPL, CSA has handled the matter with diplomacy. “The amount of money players make from IPL is good for their life after cricket – they are taking International cricket seriously so even if they go for IPL, that doesn’t mean they are less patriotic,” CSA’s CEO Pholetsi Moseki was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

South African Players Involved In IPL 2022: Kagiso Rabada (PBKS), Faf du Plessis (RCB), Quinton de Kock (LSG), Anrich Nortje (DC), Marco Jansen (SRH), David Miller (GT), Dewald Brevis (MI), Aiden Markram (SRH), Rassie van der Dussen (RR), Lungi Ngidi (DC), Dwaine Pretorius (CSK)

On the other hand, Twelve Kiwi players, including skipper Kane Williamson, are set to join the IPL from March 26. These 12 players have not been picked by NZC for the Netherlands home series, meaning the board does not have a problem with those 12 players playing in the IPL.