South African players are all set to face a litmus test of loyalty as the Proteas skipper, Dean Elgar, asked his teammates to choose between national duty and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He believes that South African cricketers should give priority to playing for their country over the IPL.
Elgar has made a surprising statement ahead of the upcoming 15th season of the IPL 2022, which is scheduled to start on March 26 in India. With South Africa set to host Bangladesh in a bilateral series from March 18 to April 13, the Test skipper has stressed that he would like his players to play in the upcoming home series instead of leaving early to play in the upcoming IPL 2022.
However, Elgar admitted that no player would like to miss a big opportunity like the IPL, but still, players should give more importance to playing for their country, as the IPL isn’t bigger than the country. The skipper has further reminded the South African players that they are given IPL contracts because of their performance in international cricket, where they get recognition.
The Test skipper also revealed that he received a call from a Cricket South Africa (CSA) representative regarding the availability of players for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh. CSA wants to know the players’ availability, whether they will play for South Africa or are willing to play in the IPL 15.
Elgar said in a press conference: “The outcome of that meeting is that the players need to give CSA an indication whether they’re keen to go to the IPL or if they’re keen to play for the Test side.”
He further explained, “It’s a tough one leaving that up to the players, but this is how we’ll see where players' loyalty lies. They mustn’t forget that Test and one-day cricket got them into the IPL, not the other way around. Hopefully by next week that will be clearer for us.
I wish I knew more for my own personal sanity. If I don't have everyone at my disposal then it's a little bit difficult. It's a tough one for me. I can't take the field without my best side.”
Elgar signed off by saying, “You don’t want players to miss out on a big occasion like the IPL, by no means. But I’d still like to think playing for your country is bigger than that.”
(With AFP Inputs)
