Anrich Nortje highlights income's key role in the club vs country, IPL debate
BIG DEBATE Anrich Nortje discusses the crucial role of income in the ongoing club vs country debate as the IPL's new scheduling conflicts with South Africa's World Test Championship preparations. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) set to resume on Saturday after a brief hiatus due to the conflict with Pakistan, it’s presented something of a scheduling headache for international players.
The IPL was originally scheduled to end on May 25, but now, due to the delay, the final will now be held on June 3.
That could potentially affect the availability of Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants), Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings), Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians), and Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) in the Proteas preparation ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
With South Africa set to face Australia in the WTC final at Lord’s in London starting on 11 June, the more time available with the entire squad will benefit their quest for ICC title glory.
Anrich Nortje's on Club vs Country Debate and the IPL
One player who won’t be taking part in the WTC final is Anrich Nortje. Though currently fit, the fiery fast bowler’s availability for the Proteas has been thwarted by injury recently.
Since the IPL will now conflict with international fixtures, much like the SA20 did in 2024 for the Proteas, it’s reignited the club versus country debate.
“Hard to say what others are doing or what their reasons are. Most of the time, it would probably be income. Income is a major factor; one league can cover your entire income for what you'd earn with the international team,” Nortje told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.
“But it depends. It’s different for everyone. I’ve been available for the last year, from before the World Cup to December, and only got selected again in December to play.
“There were a few series I wasn’t picked for, mostly to give opportunities to others. So, from my side, I’ve been available to play for the country, but they haven’t pressed my button. Unfortunately, I got the opportunity in December and broke my toe, so I haven’t played since the World Cup.