South African players return to IPL with WTC final looming

NEW DELHI - South African Lungi Ngidi has returned for the Indian Premier League’s final phase, but the seamer and several of his compatriots are expected to exit the rescheduled tournament early to prepare for next month’s World Test Championship final.

The IPL will resume on Saturday after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following days of fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The South Africa squad for the June 11-15 WTC final against Australia at Lords includes eight players who are playing in the lucrative IPL, the final for which has been moved from May 25 to June 3.

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad told reporters this week he expected the countrys IPL players to be released from their teams on May 26 and a Cricket South Africa spokesperson confirmed to Reuters on Thursday this was still the case.

South Africa play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3-6 before heading to London.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a video on social media on Thursday confirming the return of several of their players, including Ngidi.

“Back at base and locked in!,” the franchise said.

South Africans Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram – both part of the WTC final squad a – re set to rejoin Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants respectively, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Both IPL franchises did not immediately respond to Reuters calls and messages seeking confirmation.

A Punjab Kings official confirmed South African Marco Jansen was scheduled to rejoin the IPL side.

Bengaluru, chasing their maiden IPL title, have been reinforced by the returns of English trio Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt.

Australian Tim David and West Indian Romario Shepherd have also linked up with Bengaluru, who play Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.

Jos Buttler will reunite with Gujarat Titans but will skip the playoff,