IPL 2021: CSA acceeds to BCCI, Rabada, De Kock allowed for IPL 2021

In another classic case of the power BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL) enjoys in the world of cricket, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has released their top players for the IPL 2021. Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals) , Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians), Lungi Ngidi (CSK) , David Miller (Rajasthan Royals) and Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals) all were suppose to be part of the T20 squad for the series against Pakistan but due to pressure of the BCCI and the players, CSA has released all their players for IPL 2021.

“In terms of an agreement between CSA and the BCCI, those players awarded IPL contracts will be released early to join their respective teams.”, said CSA’s release.

The matter hasn’t gone down well with the South African cricket fraternity according to whom it is a case of board and players giving preference to the IPL 2021 over national duty. Of the 10 South Africans who are due to play in IPL 2021, five are in the ODI squad that will precede the T20Is. The five are not in the T20I squad because that rubber is all set to clash with the IPL.

South Africa vs Pakistan series of three ODIs and four T20Is will be staged from April 2 to 16. Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller and Anrich Nortje, all of whom would have been obvious selections in the T20I squad have not been named in the T20 squad of South Africa.

In another big development CSA also decided to ignore former captain Faf Du Plessis for both squads for the same reason. Du Plessis will be playing another season of IPL 2021 for Chennai Super Kings and has been ignored for selection in any of the Proteas squad that takes on Pakistan. Earlier CSA also omitted Du Plessis from the contracted players list as he is only inclined to play in the global T20 leagues.

Temba Bavuma led Proteas in both white-ball series against Pakistan for the 1st time.

South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (wk), Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Lutho Sipamla, Wiaan Mulder, Sisanda Magala, Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Lizaad Williams.

South Africa T20 squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan, Sisanda Magala, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Pite van Biljon, Migael Pretorius, Lizaad Williams, Wihan Lubbe.