Another international cricket event has been called off in the wake of COVID-19 or coronavirus outbreak, and it is none other than the ODI series between the hosts India and the visitors South Africa.
South African players are currently in India for the three-match ODI series against the host side. Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (Dharamsala) was hosting the opening game of the series on Thursday (12th March). But the rain and wet outfield forced to abandon that game.
India vs South Africa ODI series: Last two matches were scheduled to be played at Lucknow and Kolkata
According to the schedule, they would play the next game at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) on this Sunday (15th March). Their third and final match of this series was scheduled on 18th March at Eden Gardens (Kolkata).
After the first ODI was washed out in the rain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to organise the last two games of the ODI series behind the close door. That decision was taken after the Sports Ministry advised to organise the unavoidable events without public gathering.
But now the BCCI has decided to call off the remainder of this series. So, the South African cricketers will soon return to their home.
CONFIRMED: The #INDvSA ODI series has been suspended in the wake of a growing number of coronavirus cases. pic.twitter.com/3qE3CnHG24
— ICC (@ICC) March 13, 2020
BCCI will reschedule India vs South Africa ODI series
However, the ODI series will be rescheduled later as South Africa will travel in India to complete this ODI series.
Coronavirus has hugely affected the world. Like the other sports, cricket has also failed to beat this barrier. More than 1,30,000 people worldwide have been affected in this virus, while the death due to coronavirus has been reported more than 5,000. Meanwhile, India has reported 80+ coronavirus cases, including one death.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised their concern on this matter as they announced it a pandemic. Soon after that, the Indian government suspended most of the visas till 15th April 2020. Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry has advised organising the unavoidable events in an empty stadium.
The running Road Safety World Series 2020 has already been postponed while the beginning of the IPL 2020 has been shifted till mid-April.