High court clears Tabraiz Shamsi to complete ILT20 season amid CSA dispute

The Johannesburg High Court recently ruled in favour of South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, allowing him to complete the full ILT20 season in the UAE. The judgment, delivered against Cricket South Africa (CSA), has drawn attention for its potential global implications in a time dominated by franchise cricket.

Shamsi, who has represented South Africa in 127 international matches, was involved in the controversy of a contractual standoff after withdrawing from the SA20 earlier this year. The left-arm wrist-spinner had been picked by MI Cape Town for R500,000 at the SA20 auction but sought a release, citing personal reasons. Although SA20 accepted the repudiation of his contract and replaced him, CSA later restricted his participation in overseas leagues by issuing only a partial No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the ILT20.

CSA’s initial NOC expired on December 19, midway through the ILT20 season and just before the SA20 window, effectively forcing Shamsi to choose between leagues. With negotiations for an extension stalling, Shamsi approached the High Court seeking urgent interim relief. 

"I am grateful that the Court recognized the urgency of my situation and granted interim relief. I was reluctant to take this matter to court, but it became necessary to bring certainty and resolve a situation that could not be resolved in any other way. This was never about maximising opportunities, but being able to approach my career in a considered and sustainable way," Shamsi said in a statement issued by his management company, Global Sports Ventures.

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The court ruled against CSA, directing the board to issue Shamsi a full NOC valid until January 4, the date of the ILT20 final. CSA was also ordered to cover Shamsi’s legal costs. In addition, the board later granted him a separate NOC to fulfil his Big Bash League commitment with the Adelaide Strikers in January.

In its assessment, the court noted that while SA20 auction agreements require player participation, Shamsi’s contract was not directly with CSA. The court found that CSA’s refusal to extend the NOC was unjustified and potentially damaging to Shamsi’s financial well-being, particularly given his freelance status.

Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract last year to explore global opportunities, welcomed the ruling, stating that the decision was never about maximising earnings but about managing his career sustainably. He also stated family considerations and reiterated his availability to represent South Africa in the future. On the field, Shamsi has continued to deliver, picking up four wickets in four matches for the Gulf Giants in the ongoing ILT20. He is expected to travel to Australia immediately after to join the Adelaide Strikers for the BBL.