South African cricketers to pull out of IPL 2021? Here’s official update

Amid the resurgence of Covid cases during the ongoing 14^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India, the cricketing board’s concerns for their respective national players featuring in the IPL have forayed. The fact that many franchisees players and staff have tested positive for Covid 19 recently, the country’s national cricket boards are extending their help forward for their country players in these unprecedented times.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) support message

Former South African player and the current director of Cricket South Africa (CSA)-Graeme Smith has put forward an open help appeal to support the Proteas players taking part in IPL 2021. Smith reckoned that CSA will leave no stone unturned to aid and assist support to its players in case of any issues, but the final call has been left to the cricketers.

Also read: Remainder IPL may shift to Mumbai entirely 

“We’ve offered support to the players and made ourselves available to them should there be any concerns. Ultimately, it is in their hands to make a choice (continued participation),” Graeme Smith was quoted as saying by iol.co.za.

With the covid infection seeping in the secured bio-bubbles, the situation has been alarming not just for the boards but also players and staff associated with the franchisees. Besides, this has added another dimension of concern for the overseas players of whether to continue playing the IPL or return home.

South African Players in the IPL

Following Proteas players are featuring for different franchises in the ongoing edition of the IPL.

Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians)
Marco Jansen (Mumbai Indians)
Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals)
Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals)
Faf du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings)
Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings)
Imran Tahir (Chennai Super Kings)
David Miller (Rajasthan Royals)
Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals)
AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Also read: R Ashwin to join Delhi Capitals for remainder of IPL 2021?

In the wake of the unprecedented situation, nations across the world have restricted the travel lines to take control of the situation. As per reports, Australia and New Zealand have banned flights from India but South Africa has still kept its borders open with travellers needing to submit a negative test report within 72 hours of travelling.