South African players return to IPL with WTC final looming

NEW DELHI: South African paceman Lungi Ngidi has returned for the Indian Premier League’s final phase and several of his compatriots are likely to follow even though it may limit their preparations for next month’s World Test Championship final against Australia.

The IPL will resume on Saturday after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following days of fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The South Africa squad for the June 11-15 WTC final at Lord’s includes eight players who are playing in the lucrative IPL, the final for which has been moved from May 25 to June 3.

South Africa were scheduled to assemble in England on May 31 May and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3-6 before heading to London.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a video on social media on Thursday confirming the return of several of their players, including Ngidi.

“Back at base and locked in!,” the franchise said.

South Africans Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram – both part of the WTC final squad – are set to rejoin Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants respectively, ESPNcricinfo reported.

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Both IPL franchises did not immediately respond to Reuters calls and messages seeking confirmation.

A Punjab Kings official confirmed South African Marco Jansen was scheduled to rejoin the IPL side.

Bengaluru, chasing their maiden IPL title, have been reinforced by the returns of English trio Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt.

Australian Tim David and West Indian Romario Shepherd have also linked up with Bengaluru, who play Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.

Jos Buttler will reunite with Gujarat Titans but will skip the playoff, should his team qualify, to be available for England’s six limited-overs matches against West Indies beginning on May 29.