Whether nine Proteas stars participate in this year’s Indian Premier League remains in the balance.

The start of the 2020 IPL has been postponed from 29 March to 15 April due to the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic. In the interim, the Indian government has suspended several visas – including those for sport in the country.

The Proteas, meanwhile, are travelling home after this month’s ODI series in India was suspended due to the spread of the virus. The first ODI was washed out. The second and third in Lucknow and Kolkata, respectively, were going to be played behind closed doors as a preventative measure. The remainder of the tour, however, was eventually cancelled.

READ: Start of Indian Premier League delayed

‘For the players it’s not a big issue at all. If they get it they will recover. It’s the people in the stands who are the concern. It’s more about public safety, but we are monitoring the situation. Our medical committee is dealing with it, and if we get an expert opinion we will take drastic action,’ Cricket South Africa’s acting chief executive Dr Jacques Faul told Cricbuzz at the time.

The Mumbai Indians’ Quinton de Kock, Rajasthan Royals’ David Miller, Royal Challengers and Bangalore’s Chris Morris are among the Proteas cricketers due to play in the 2020 IPL.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada of the Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings trio Imran Tahir, Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi are also contracted for the tournament.

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