Several South African cricketers are currently playing for various IPL teams, and their safety remains a top priority. Many of them are expected to be named in the Proteas squad on Tuesday for next month’s World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s.

Among the players involved are Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Tristan Stubbs. There are also players such as Heinrich Klaasen, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-Dré Pretorius, and Nandré Burger who are all in India.

Cricket South Africa’s Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, confirmed that they’ve been in contact with the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the players to keep a close eye on developments.

“We’re in touch with the BCCI and IPL, and they’ll keep us informed as soon as there are any new updates,” said Nkwe. “We’re definitely monitoring the situation closely, together with the relevant bodies.”

“Our team manager has also been in contact with the players over the past couple of days, just to check in. As I mentioned, the safety of our players comes first.”

The situation is not limited to India; Pakistan is also affected. In response, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has moved all its remaining matches to the United Arab Emirates.

South Africans currently playing in the PSL include former Knights players Rilee Rossouw and Andries Gous, as well as former Proteas and Titans all-rounder David Wiese. Wiese now represents Namibia at international level.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg