IPL dilemma for South African Players

Not long after English players and board raised concerns about the security in sub- continent and their participation in IPL, its turn of South Africans to voice their concerns.

Last year IPL saw likes of many south African players like Makhaya Nitni and Albie Morkel (Chennai Super Kings ) , Graeme Smith ( Rajasthan Royals ), Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher ( Bangalore Rajasthan Royals ) , Ab De Villers ( Delhi Daredevils) playing in IPL.

Even though their contracts remain the same for another 2 years, there are other glamorous additions this year like Morne Morkel (Rajasthan Royals), J P Duminy (Mumbai Indians). Stage is set for them to showcase their skills and talents, but terrorism has caused them to have second thoughts about IPL itself.

Company which is responsible for South Africans players security made it clear that, they won’t’ allow players if they feel security is insufficient to Afrikaans weekly Rapport.

Robert Nicholas director of Nicholas, Steyn and associates which look after the safety of players during IPL, also stated that they are in constant touch with boards regarding the security arrangements and issues. He also stated that even though they are not in charge of security in stadiums and grounds.

He was also quoted saying that one can have around 60,000 arm guards, but everyone will look imbecile if a suicide bomber comes and attacks someone. Even though no player has rules out his participation in IPL purely on security reasons, but the players are said to be having nightmares to make a decision.

South African Captain Graeme Smith said that IPL can prove a huge bonus, as they have a huge test series coming against India next year and also it can hone skills and it’s too early to comment on security, which has to be done after getting detailed information from security consultant, experts and cricket boards.

J P Duminy was bought by a huge amount of 4.3 crores said that even though IPL is going to benefit players, by its lucrative deals: players are not going to take any risk if security is insufficient. He was also quoted saying that all his teammates have voiced similar opinion like him. Players’ perception and opinion about sub – continent have changed considerably after Pakistan terror attacks on Srilankan cricket team.

Sure IPL is going to miss something without South African Players; one can hope things settle down well and let the action come from on field than off the field.