By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the India Tour will continue as originally scheduled, with a few adjustments to the logistical arrangements, such as the arrival time of the India Team.
India will play three (3) one-day internationals and three (3) tests against the Proteas. However, the four (4) scheduled T20 Matches will be rescheduled in the new year, as part of the joint MoU.
CSA is also pleased to confirm that the allocation of match venues will still be in respect of the Bubble Safe Environment (BSEs) and therefore the decision on the allocations will take into account the need for safer playing environments.
CSA has instituted these world-class standards and measures to ensure that all players, staff and officials are protected within this environment. CSA’s main focus is to safeguard the cricket biosphere by managing strict entry standards and limited movement outside of its cordon. CSA will confirm the venues in the next 48 hours.
Acting Chief Executive Officer at Cricket South Africa,Pholetsi Moseki said “I would like to thank both the leadership of Cricket South Africa, as well as the leadership of the BCCI for working so tirelessly to make this tour a reality. Even under the most uncertain times, the Boards kept the light of hope alive and kept us anticipating that this tour will indeed take place.
“For us as CSA it is always a meeting of old friends when the Proteas take on India, but we will still present the fans with a compelling proposition and a great spectacle to watch. I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our commercial partners and fans, as we promise them a great game of cricket ahead.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has also confirmed that India’s tour of South Africa will go ahead.
“BCCI has confirmed to CSA that the Indian team will travel for three Tests and three ODIs. The remaining four T20Is will be played at a later date,” Shah said.
The tour, which is scheduled to start with the first Test at the Wanderers on 17 December, had been in doubt due to the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron.
India tour of South Africa schedule:
1st Test – 17-21 December, Wanderers, Johannesburg
2nd Test – 26-30 December, SuperSport Park, Centurion
3rd Test – 3-7 January, Newlands, Cape Town
1st ODI – 11 January, Boland Park, Paarl
2nd ODI – 14 January, Newlands, Cape Town
3rd ODI – 16 January, Newlands, Cape Town.