BCCI continue their efforts to extend the participation of CSA players in the IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still having talks with Cricket South Africa (CSA) about the participation of its cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After it was initiated by the CSA that it would permit its players in Indian only up to May 7, the Indian board had requested their players’ participation till May 15.

On the eve of the IPL 10, no confirmation was given on duration for which the South African players will be available.  However, the Indian board says it is confident that the South Africa board will accept its request but sources say there has not been any confirmation from Johannesburg. “We’re waiting to hear from the BCCI about it,” said a franchise official.

IPL 10 boasts of top South African players like AB de Villiers (RCB), David Miller (KXIP), Imran Tahir and Faf du Plessis (RPSG), and Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada (DD).
“The IPL is all set, the only problem is about the South Africans’ availability. We’ve not had a word from them. We’re still waiting to hear from them. Rajeev Shukla, IPL chairman, and Rahul Johri, the CEO, are talking to the CSA over this,” said a top BCCI member.

The reason why South Africa wants to call back its players home early in May is because it wants them to get sufficient rest before the all-important Champions Trophy in June in England. The Proteas will play the first game at Leeds on May 24. However, BCCI is of the opinion that even if the players play in Indian until the mid of May, they will get enough time to rest for the CT. This point was raised during the meeting BCCI officials had with CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat. However, no confirmation has been given yet.
Players like AB de Villiers will be very important during the playoffs in case their teams make it till there.