South Africa coach Shukri Conrad sets IPL 2025 deadline - 'Want our players back' for WTC Final

Despite the extended schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season and the restart on May 17, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has set a firm deadline for his players to return ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final.

Who will win WTC 2025 Final - Australia or South Africa? SIGN UP to earn 10% cashback up to INR 20,000 weekly

With South Africa set to begin preparations for the WTC Final against Australia on June 11, the Proteas management reportedly wants all players to be available for training.

The IPL season was previously scheduled to end with the Final on May 25. However, due to an unforeseen delay, the Final has now been moved to June 3, which further affects players with national team commitments.

📲 Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp

Here are all the key points, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad mentioned when asked about player availability due to the clash with the revised IPL schedule.

WTC 2025 Final: What did Shukri Conrad say about South Africa players' availability for IPL?

The South African head coach, Shukri, made his stance clear, backing the previous agreements with the IPL and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

It was previously agreed that the South African players would return to the national camp after the original date of the Final on May 25.

This made sense as the timeline aligned with South Africa's preparations for the all-important WTC 2025 Final two weeks later at The Lord's. This is a crucial match for the Proteas as they again eye an ICC trophy that has long eluded them.

"The initial agreement with the IPL and BCCI, with the final being on the 25th, was that the players would return on the 26th. Nothing has changed from our perspective, that is the ongoing conversation."

However, with IPL extending its season, May 26 might be too early as the playoffs don't start until May 28, with the Final on June 3.

Can South Africa win an ICC trophy in 2025: Get exclusive Happy Hour reload bonuses when you bet on WTC 2025 Final action, click here

Shukri reiterated his and the board's stance, adding:

"As it stands, we want our players back on the 26th. Hopefully that comes to fruition."

While it remains to be seen if either BCCI or South Africa makes concessions on the issue, playoff teams with Proteas players might already be worried.

Check: How will India line up without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? India probable XI for 1st Test against England

WTC Final: Which South Africa players might miss IPL 2025 playoffs?

Currently, the playoff favourites, Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), all have South African players.

Here is the full list of IPL 2025 players who have been selected for the WTC 2025 Final as well:

WTC 2025 Final BONUS: Click here to get exclusive sign-up bonuses and up to 200% cash boost when you bet on the AUS vs SA Tests

IPL 2025: Revised schedule