IPL 2023: South African players will not be seen in the opening matches of IPL 2023. In fact, the African team will play against the Netherlands in the ODI series. And David Miller has confirmed that the South African players (IPL 2023 Start Date) will not be able to play the opening match. At the same time, Miller has also revealed that Gujarat Giants are also angry with him for not playing.

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David Miller not playing in the opening few IPL matches

The South African players will miss the opening few matches of the IPL as the South African team is set to take on the Netherlands for two matches of the World Cup Super League. At the same time, IPL 2023 is going to start on March 31 and there will be a clash between Gujarat vs Chennai in the first match of the tournament. While South Africa, on the other hand, will face the Netherlands in a two-match ODI series. Whose first match will be played on 31 March while the second match will be played on 2 April?

Gujarat Giants bought David Miller in 2022 at a price of 3 crores

Now the question is why is South Africa so keen to play against a weak Netherlands? A win in both the ODIs against the Dutch side would warrant direct qualification in the upcoming ICC World Cup to be held in India. Gujarat Giants bought David Miller in 2022 at a price of 3 crores.

David Miller (on him missing the opening game of IPL 2023) said, "Gujarat Titans were really upset on this. We weren't given the option to pick between the IPL or the ODI by CSA". (To Cricbuzz).

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 20, 2023

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It’s always a big deal to play in Ahmedabad, especially in the first match against Chennai

“They were really upset,” Miller told a news conference in Potchefstroom. It is always a big deal to play in Ahmedabad, especially in the first match against Chennai. I’m a little disappointed to have lost it. But it has always been a great privilege and honor to wear green and gold. And we’ve got some work to do in those two games against the Netherlands. So I think a strong team – the best team we can pick – is definitely the way forward. I will miss one match so whether I am a little disappointed or not, the process is done.

IPL 2023: Miller further said, “We were not given the option (by CSA) in any way. Be that as it may, we’ve got our best squad on the park and we’ve got a lot of work to do in those two games. So it would be nice to be able to focus on that.”