Players who choose the IPL over the Bangladesh series should not be perceived as individuals who prioritize their lucrative contracts over representing their country, writes Aditya Mehta.

Since the announcement of the dates of the Indian Premier League, the Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh has been billed as a litmus test of country versus franchise for players with IPL contracts.

While South Africa will want to field their first-choice players against Bangladesh, it is unfair to burden players with IPL contracts with the pressure of choosing between playing the Test series and turning up for their franchises.

If players choose to play the IPL instead of the Test series, they will be at the receiving end of unending criticism from the South African public, and possibly the cricket fraternity in South Africa, for prioritizing the IPL over representing their country.

On the other hand, if players with IPL contracts choose to play the Test series and miss a part of the IPL, it could potentially hurt their chances of securing contracts in the future because franchises are paying millions for players, and formulate their plans for the tournament based on the availability of key players. 

The stakeholders of cricket in South Africa should respect whatever decision the players with IPL contracts take.

Players who choose the IPL over the Bangladesh series should not be perceived as individuals who prioritize their lucrative contracts over representing their country.

Ultimately, players ply their trade for a short part of their lives and have every right to secure their future post-cricket.