IPL franchises have been seriously challenged by Cricket South Africa (CSA). The latter have set the deadline of 26th May for the return of the players, as they want to get ready for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. In cricket, one of the most noticeable aspects has been the suspension of IPL 2025 because of the excessive tension among India and Pakistan. However, when the two sides agreed to a ceasefire, the league got the green light to go ahead with the rest of the fixtures. The IPL will re-launch on 17th May, as per the revised schedule of BCCI. The final will now be played on 3rd June, which is nine days later than the earlier date of 25th May. This new scheduling creates trouble for the players, in particular, since various overseas countries initiate the international cricket calendar from 25th May. Hence it is possible that quite a few momentous playoff games will be missed by foreign players. It is a confirmed fact that South African players will, at least, have to leave by 26th May. South Africa has already qualified for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 where the other team will be Australia. The venue will be Lord’s in London starting from 11th June. CSA desires the presence of their players in the best condition, and they need them to be fully prepared. Shukri Conrad, who is the head of the cricket team, South Africa, told that there is a deal with the BCCI, and according to this, their players are compelled to be back by 26th May. A total of 20 South African players are involved in IPL 2025, and 8 of them will feature in the WTC final squad. They include: Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians) Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad) Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings) Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants) Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians) Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) It was revealed on Cricbuzz that the South African team would be coming together to Arundel, England, on May 31. They’re going to play a practice match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6 before going to London for the final on June 7. Also Read | How Much Did Virat Kohli Make Per Test Match? Find Out Not only the South Africans will not participate in IPL 2025 playoffs. It’s also the case with the English players as many of them are expected to go on national duty before the playoffs begin. The ECB has asked their participation in a 3-match series against the West Indies which is slated to begin on the 29th of May. Players like Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Jacob Bethell (RCB), and Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians) are likely to leave the tournament early because their teams are looking for a spot in the playoffs starting from the 29th of May.