The KwaZulu-Natal provincial cricket team in South Africa, known as the Dolphins, will play in India's prestigious Duleep Trophy tournament later this year.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) made the announcement on Tuesday after the Dolphins finished on top of the provincial league.

It will be the first time that a South African team will participate in the Duleep Trophy.

The UCBSA said the Dolphins would participate in the tournament if the Board of Control for Cricket in India decides on the dates of the tournament before the end of June.

"This is to enable the UCB to cpmplete their fixtures for the next season," said the UCB.

The Dolphins would be led by its new captain, Ahmed Amla, brother of Hashim Amla, who is a member of the national cricket team of South Africa.

A spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union, Jay Naidoo, said the Dolphins will make full preparations for the tournament in India.

"However, we may be without Dale Benkenstein and Lance Klusener, as they have English county commitments during September and October when the Duleep tournament is to be played," he said.