The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 26 in Mumbai and Pune. Players from almost all nations are expected to be available from the start of the IPL season, but the South African players are in a problem. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra addressed that problem in a recent YouTube video.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) have informed their players to make their own choice. The South African cricket team is scheduled to play a home series against Bangladesh. There will be an ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series from March 18 to 23, followed by an ICC World Test Championship series that will end on April 12.
So, if the South African players decide to play both series, they will be unavailable for IPL matches at least till April 15. There is a mandatory three-day quarantine necessary before entering the bio-bubble of the IPL.
Aakash Chopra gave his opinion on the situation around the South African players and said:
“South Africa have said that they will tell the players that they have the option, let’s test your loyalty to the nation. Very difficult question to address because the ODI series will start on March 18, the IPL is starting on March 26.”
Aakash Chopra says Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans will miss key players
Further discussing how the absence of the players will impact the teams, the Lucknow Super Giants and the Gujarat Titans are set to make their IPL debuts against each other on March 28, and Aakash Chopra highlighted how the absence of Quinton de Kock and David Miller will hurt the two teams.
Chopra felt that missing even one match will impact the team’s balance, which is why the South African players are in a tough phase. Last year, the Proteas left the series against Pakistan midway to play in the IPL. It will be interesting to see what happens this time around.
