Selected foreign players, especially from the countries of South Africa and West Indies, who play important roles in many IPL franchises, may join IPL teams later than initially expected. The reason for this is the impending situation in the Middle East and the delay in their return home.
The IPL 2026 season has been announced, and the preliminary schedule of the games was revealed yesterday. The tournament will begin from March 28, in which defending champions RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The BCCI’s IPL Governing Committee has officially revealed the first 20 matches of the campaign rather than the full schedule due to state elections being held during this time of the year in many of the states hosting IPL matches.
Foreign players return to India for IPL delayed due to crisis in Middle East
Foreign players, especially those from South Africa and West Indies countries, were stuck in the subcontinent for a long time after being eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup. The reason for this was the war-like situation in the Middle East and the closure of airbases.
As a result of these logistical and travel challenges, there has been a significant delay in the players’ return to their homes, and hence, these players may join their respective franchises in the IPL later than initially expected.
Notably, West Indies, who were eliminated before even reaching the semi-finals, were stranded for more than a week, while South African players also complained against the ICC as they were stuck in the subcontinent, while England players managed to return immediately after their semi-final loss to India.
According to PTI, the franchise will have to request the foreign player to join the team ahead of the season despite the unfortunate circumstances.
“The departure of players from the West Indies and South Africa was significantly delayed. It will be a tough task to get them back to India on time. Besides, the airfares have increased significantly due to the war in West Asia,” a team official told PTI (via News18).
CSK confirms return of Akeal Hosein and Dewald Brevis
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that two of his players, who were part of West Indies and South Africa’s T20 World Cup XIs respectively, Akeal Hosein and Dewald Brewis, will be joining the squad in time for the upcoming season.
“We are not expecting any delay from their side,” the CEO told PTI.
West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein was stranded in India after their exit from the Super 8 stage; However, he made a post on his Instagram story requesting football legend Cristiano Ronaldo to help him get out of the country.
Important players of South Africa and West Indies in IPL 2026
Many players from the playing eleven of West Indies and South Africa, who were part of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, will also play their role in the Indian Premier League. West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer will be seen in action for Rajasthan Royals, while Sherfane Rutherford will play for Mumbai Indians after being traded by Gujarat Titans.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans will have high expectations from in-form all-rounder Jason Holder. Rovman Powell will be a part of the KKR squad and Romario Shepherd will star for defending champions RCB.
On the other hand, South Africa captain Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Johnson, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch will all play IPL for their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League.
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