Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has won a court battle against Cricket South Africa to allow him to play in the ILT20 league in Dubai.
According to Rapport, Shamsi approached the court after CSA initially refused to grant him a full no-objection certificate (NOC) for the duration of the ILT20, which runs from 2 December to 4 January. All South African players require CSA approval to participate in overseas leagues, irrespective of whether they hold a national or domestic contract.
CSA had only issued Shamsi with an NOC until 19 December, citing his involvement in the SA20 auction, where he was bought by MI Cape Town for R500,000. Shamsi, who had not signed a playing contract with the franchise, subsequently withdrew from the SA20, prompting CSA to block his availability for the remainder of the ILT20.
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In court papers dated 16 December, Shamsi argued that CSA’s refusal to extend his NOC was made in bad faith and was negatively impacting his financial well-being.
According to SA20 rules, when players make themselves available for the auction and sign an auction agreement, they are obligated to participate in the league.
However, because Shamsi’s contract was not with CSA, the court therefore ruled in his favour. SA20 reportedly decided against taking action against Shamsi.
The court granted an interim order compelling CSA to issue Shamsi with a full NOC to represent the Gulf Giants in the ILT20, as well as a second NOC allowing him to play for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League from 4 to 25 January.
Shamsi last represented South Africa during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
