South African Test skipper Dean Elgar has urged his teammates to choose national duty in a series against Bangladesh over the upcoming IPL as it is a test of loyalty for them and they must prioritise their country.
South Africa are set to play three ODIs and two Tests against Bangladesh starting March 18, while the IPL is scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 29. The ODIs will be held on March 18, 20 and 23, followed by two Tests starting on March 31 and ending on April 12.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Cricket South Africa has left it on the players to decide between the lucrative league and turning up for the country in the Bangladesh series.
"The players need to give Cricket South Africa an indication of if they are keen to go to the IPL or if they are keen to play for the Test side. It's a bit of a tough one putting that in the players' box but this I guess, this is where you see where players' loyalty lies," Elgar said.
"They mustn't forget that Test cricket or one-day cricket got them into the IPL and not the other way around."
As many as 11 South African players, including six Test regulars and three ODI players, have been roped in by different franchises at this year's IPL
In fact, South Africa's pace attack — comprising Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen — and top batters Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and limited-overs wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock -- all have IPL contracts.