Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final, scheduled for next month. The lineup includes eight players currently involved in the IPL 2025, a tournament that has now been extended due to a week-long suspension following the India-Pakistan conflict. Despite the adjusted IPL calendar, CSA remains firm on its original arrangement, asking players to return by May 26.
Originally, IPL 2025 was set to conclude on May 25, aligning with CSA’s plans for players to rejoin the national setup in time for crucial preparations. However, with the new schedule, the IPL final is now slated for June 3.
This change coincides with South Africa’s scheduled warmup match against Zimbabwe, which will take place from June 3 to 6. The all-important WTC final against Australia is set to begin on June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Reaffirming CSA’s stance, head coach Shukri Conrad addressed the media on Tuesday. “The initial agreement with the IPL and the BCCI was with the final being on the (May) 25th, our players would return on the 26th so that it allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th. Nothing has changed from our perspective,” he stated, underscoring the board’s expectation that the players honor the pre-existing timeline despite the IPL’s extension.
