Indian T20 League 2022: South Africa players opt the league over Bangladesh Test series

South Africa is all set to host Bangladesh for an ODI and a Test series in March 2022. The proteas have announced a full-strength squad for the ODI matches, but might not be able to do that for the Test series. as the South African players have been given a choice to choose between the Test series and the Indian T20 League as the dates of both the events are on a clash.

As per reports, the players have unanimously decided to play the cash-rich league instead of the Test series. It is expected that South Africa's star bowler, Kagiso Rabada might stay in South Africa for the first match. The rest of the pack will travel to India after the ODI series.

ESPNcricinfo reported that the players met head coach Mark Boucher, who had attempted to make the players stay for the series. A Cricket South Africa source told that their agreement to release the players for the tournament remains intact.

"The original with the BCCI was that we would release our players for the IPL. But, the IPL window has gotten bigger, and our agreement remains the same," he said.

Dean Elgar on the decision

Speaking of CSA's decision to let players make their pick, Dean Elgar had said that this would be a 'litmus test of loyalty.' He added that it is playing for South Africa that has gotten them in the Indian T20 League and not the other way around.

"Just this morning, I got off a call with the respective personnel at CSA to try and give us a guideline as to whether the players will be available or not. 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 said.

"It's a tough one leaving that up to the players, but that is how we'll see where the loyalty lies. They mustn't forget that Test and one-day cricket got them in the IPL, not the other way around."