The Gauteng High Court has directed Cricket South Africa (CSA) to allow Tabraiz Shamsi to complete his stint in ILT20 2025-26.
The left-arm wristspinner, who has played 127 international matches across formats, withdrew from his contract with MI Cape Town in the SA20 earlier this year to take up offers in other T20 leagues overseas, including ILT20 in the UAE and the Big Bash League in Australia.
Shamsi joined MI Cape Town for R500,000 in September’s SA20 auction but successfully sought a release from his contract, citing personal reasons, and breached the terms of his auction agreement. However, it is now highly unlikely for the left-arm spinner to feature in SA20 2026.
Joining Shamsi signed for the Gulf Giants and was granted NOC by CSA until December 19, midway through the ILT20 and before the start of the SAw0 competition window.
As a result, he sought ‘urgent interim relief’ in the high court of South Africa after talks for an extension stalled, and the court ruled in his favour.
The Court ordered CSA to issue an extended NOC for Shamsi for ILT20 until January 04, the date of the final, and ordered the board to pay his legal costs, and CSA has since granted him a separate NOC to cover his BBL contract.
Tabraiz Shamsi has picked four wickets in four appearances for the Gulf Giants in the ongoing ILT20 and will arrive in Australia to play for the Adelaide Strikers in January.
“I am grateful that the Court recognised the urgency of my situation and granted interim relief,” said Tabraiz Shamsi.
“I was reluctant to take this matter to court, but it became necessary to bring certainty and resolve a situation that could not be resolved in any other way. This was never about maximising opportunities, but being able to approach my career in a considered and sustainable way.”
“As a husband and a father, I also had to do what was right for my wife and our young child, and ensure stability for my family alongside the demands of a global cricket career.”
“Looking ahead, my focus is firmly on cricket. I want to continue performing at the highest level, contributing positively wherever I play, and remaining available to represent South Africa whenever the opportunity arises.”
Meanwhile, CSA has said that it will decide on its next course of action after studying the judgment.
“Shamsi was not granted an NOC to participate in another T20 league due to SA20 contractual stipulations,” said CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki.
“CSA has issued the NOC based on the interim relief and will study the court’s decision to grant the same before deciding on the way forward.”
The ICC requires players to obtain an NOC from their relevant national governing body before they are permitted to appear in a domestic tournament or franchise league overseas.
Boards have generally been reluctant to offer NOCs to players who would otherwise be available to play in domestic cricket in their own country.
Tabraiz Shamsi has previously represented Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 but now appears unlikely to play in the tournament again.
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