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South African players returning to IPL with World Test Championship final looming

Updated
Ngidi is set to return to IPL action with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Ngidi is set to return to IPL action with Royal Challengers BengaluruČTK / AP / Aijaz Rahi
South African paceman Lungi Ngidi has returned for the Indian Premier League's final phase and several of his compatriots are likely to follow even though it may limit their preparations for next month's World Test Championship final against Australia.

The IPL will resume on Saturday after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following days of fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The South Africa squad for the June 11th to 15th WTC final at Lord's includes eight players who are playing in the lucrative IPL, the final for which has been moved from May 25th to June 3rd.

South Africa were scheduled to assemble in England on May 31st and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3rd to 6th before heading to London.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a video on social media on Thursday confirming the return of several of their players, including Ngidi.

"Back at base and locked in!," the franchise said.

South Africans Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram - both part of the WTC final squad - are set to rejoin Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Both IPL franchises did not immediately respond to Reuters calls and messages seeking confirmation.

A Punjab Kings official confirmed South African Marco Jansen was scheduled to rejoin the IPL side.

Bengaluru, chasing their maiden IPL title, have been reinforced by the returns of English trio Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt.

Australian Tim David and West Indian Romario Shepherd have also linked up with Bengaluru, who play Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.

Jos Buttler will reunite with Gujarat Titans but will skip the playoffs, should his team qualify, to be available for England's six limited-overs matches against West Indies beginning on May 29th.

Table-toppers Gujarat have picked Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Buttler, who can join the squad only after the last league game.

Punjab Kings named Kyle Jamieson as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, who has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Lucknow have roped in New Zealand fast bowler William O'Rourke as an injury replacement for Mayank Yadav, who is out for the rest of the season with a back injury.

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