Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi Out! South Africa Pulls IPL 2025 Plug for WTC Final - Report

The Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) faces fresh challenges as Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reversed its stance on the availability of World Test Championship (WTC) final-bound players, impacting franchises like Gujarat Titans (GT) Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS)

The IPL 2025 playoffs, set to begin on May 29, will be without several key South African players as CSA has confirmed that its WTC final-bound squad members will depart India by May 27, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Negotiations between CSA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have concluded with the former prioritising preparations for the WTC final against Australia, scheduled for June 11-15 at Lord’s, over extended IPL participation.

Also read: IPL 2025: Romario Shepherd, Liam Livingstone Back in RCB Squad Ahead of KKR Encounter

World Test Championship Final-Bound South African Players Likely to Depart by May 27

As CSA will reportedly recall WTC final-bound players, the decision impacts Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals), Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians) and Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians). 

These players, integral to their respective IPL franchises, will miss the playoffs, including Qualifier 1 (May 29), Eliminator (May 30), Qualifier 2 (June 1), and the final (June 3), if their respective teams get through.

CSA’s initial agreement with the BCCI required players to return by May 26, the original date for the final, to prepare for a warm-up match against Zimbabwe, starting May 30. But CSA director Enoch Nkwe clarified that WTC preparations would begin on June 3, opening the door for players to participate in the IPL playoffs.

"Correction - squad will resume training for the game on 3rd. Like I said, the matter is being discussed higher up than me. At ground level, we are focusing on preps for the WTC Final," Nkwe said as quoted.

However, the latest update has it that CSA has given priority to WTC final preparations over the IPL.

Which IPL Teams Will be Most Affected?

The departure of these players is a blow to playoff contenders. Gujarat Titans, currently leading with 16 points, rely on Rabada, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Ngidi has been crucial in their pace attack. 

Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, all fighting for playoff spots, will face challenges without Rickelton, Bosch, Jansen and Stubbs. 

Markram has been an asset for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but his team needs to win all of their there remaining matches to have a chance at making the playoffs. Mulder’s absence will not matter much as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already been eliminated from the playoff race.

Also read: IPL 2025: RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Smashes Injury Woes, Returns to Action Ahead of KKR Clash