Cricket South Africa (CSA) urged their star players to play the all-important ODI series against the Netherlands as their direct qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup is still under threat. South Africa is currently placed ninth on the points table. The Proteas need to win the two matches against the Netherlands to claim the 8th spot as only eight teams can directly qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India.

Last December, a day before the IPL auction, the BCCI, in a note to the franchises on overseas players’ availability, had informed that contracted South African players would be available from March 29, two days before the IPL opener. But due to the importance of the ODI super league, South Africa is expected to name a full-strength squad against the Netherlands.

IPL teams will be out of the service of South African players for the start of the league. South African players are to miss at least the first six IPL games this season as they’ll arrive in India only by April 3. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, will kick off on 31st December, with the opening match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and  Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Sunrisers Hyderabad will be the most affected franchise due to the unavailability of South African Platers. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen), Delhi Capitals (Nortje, Lungi Ngidi), Mumbai Indians (Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis),  Gujarat Titans (Miller), Lucknow Super Giants (Quinton de Kock), Punjab Kings (Rabada) have South Africa players in the side.

It remains unknown who will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the absence of Aiden Markram for the initial matches as they are yet to announce the vice-captain for the team. Most likely experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the the team in absence of Markram.

New South African Players Awarded Central Contract For The 2023 Season

Last week, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the central contract for players this year. The number increased from 16 to 20, with Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magala, and Ryan Rickelton being awarded contracts for the first time.

Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Bjorn Fortuin, and  Sisanda Magala are awarded contracts for their terrific performance in the inaugural SA20. South African cricket is going through a change as new coaches have taken over and Aiden Markram named as the new captain of the South African T20 side.