India’s tour of South Africa has been under doubt after South Africa was hit by the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. However, the tour seems likely to go on with no statement of cancellation made at the moment from either of the two boards.
With the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, in African nations, there have been speculations over India’s forthcoming all format tour to South Africa. However, Cricket South Africa is confident that India will still tour the rainbow nation. The all-format series includes three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is to be played during December and January.
India’s Tour Of South Africa Will Likely Go On Despite Emergence Of A New Deadly Covid-19 Variant As BCCI Is Committed To Tour: Cricket South Africa (CSA)
The Indian A team is presently in South Africa for three unofficial Tests. With one of the Tests being completed, the team is still in the country, and the unofficial Tests will continue. The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe was cancelled, and South Africa’s ODI series against the Netherlands has been postponed.
Nonetheless, Cricket South Africa (CSA) acting chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki believes that India’s Tour of South Africa will progress as scheduled. The cricket boards of both nations have been in touch and are monitoring the situation constantly as well. As reported, Pholetsi Moseki said that they (CSA) have spoken to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
“We spoke to the BCCI and they are very much committed to the tour,” Moseki said.
“India A is still in the country and there isn’t a sign of them leaving. They’re still committed and they’re expecting the tour to go ahead. The tour is definitely still on and there’s no reason for it not to go on unless we’re blindsided by something we’re not expecting,” Moseki added.
The senior team India’s tour to South Africa for 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 4 T20Is, starting on December 17, is on, although the situation is being considered fluid. The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is in South Africa from December 17 to January 26.
India’s tour of South Africa remains unchanged as it is understood that the Indian team will require special government permission to tour South Africa – the borders between the countries are open at the moment.
Pholetsi Moseki Is Confident CSA Will Make Required Arrangements For The Tour
However, it remains to be seen if fans will be allowed at the stadiums during the matches or not. On this matter, Pholetsi Moseki said that they are trying to bring in more fans to the stadiums. Although, given the way things have been going at present, they will have to wait for the decision by the government.
Pholetsi Moseki also hoped that there will not be a total shutdown. As bio-bubbles have become the new norm, Pholetsi Moseki is also confident that CSA will make the required arrangements for the tour.
“Our bio-bubbles are very strong because you need to remember the England one that ended up being a disaster,” he said.
After the incident, CSA increased the security of the bio-bubbles. Pholetsi Moseki said that the board will first have to deal with the Netherlands series, and they will then communicate further, showing their commitment to making the India tour happen. He concluded by saying that the tour can take place without spectators, similar to the series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as they are preparing strong bio-bubbles for the same.
India, A tour of South Africa, will continue, the detection of a new Covid-19 variant in the country notwithstanding. The visiting team, currently based in Bloemfontein, has had a series of meetings with the Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials and the local medical team and has decided to complete the three-match series.
There is no immediate information on the Indian senior team’s tour, scheduled for next month, but the CSA said that they are monitoring the situation and will keep the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed.