Follow UsIt isn’t the first time a Test-playing nation have had to choose between an international series and the IPL. According to ESPNCricinfo’s reports, South Africa are likely to field a weakened squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, at home.
The report further suggested that the move to choose IPL over Bangladesh Tests was unanimous. In the past few years, South Africa have had not an international series locking horns at the same time as the IPL. However, this time around, the early IPL start has clashed with South Africa’s autumn series against Bangladesh.
"The original agreement with the BCCI was that we would release our players for the IPL. But the IPL window has gotten bigger, and our agreement remains the same," reported ESPNCricinfo.
If things go ahead as reported, South Africa would be without front-line pace attack, with Kagiso Rabada now representing the Punjab Kings, Lungi Ngidi for the Delhi Capitals while Marco Jansen was picked by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In the absence of their first-choice pace-attack, the Proteas are likely to field Lutho Sipamla and Lizaad Williams. While the report also suggested that there is a possibility of the Proteas stars playing the first Test, it would be highly unlikely that they would feature in both the Tests against Bangladesh in the coming days.