BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that the India tour of South Africa will go ahead, for three Tests and three ODIs. The four T20Is which were also originally part of the tour will now be played on a later date.
“BCCI has confirmed CSA that the Indian team will travel for three Tests and three ODIs. The remaining four T20Is will be played at a later date,” Jay Shah told ANI.
India tour of South Africa was scheduled to begin with a three-match test series on December 17. However, it has been pushed by a week now. The matches during the India tour of South Africa are likely to be held behind closed doors.
“The information we received is that the bio-bubble created by CSA is safe and secured. Also, there hasn’t been a lot of data available as of now as to how severe and detrimental it could be. We have not received any communication from the government on not going ahead with the tour. The team will enter the bubble shortly and travel by charter flight. Even if there is a delay, it will be a bubble to bubble transfer and hence no hard quarantine will be required,” the source had earlier said.
South Africa promises secure bio-bubble for India
South Africa’s foreign ministry has thanked the BCCI for not pulling out of India A’s tour of South Africa. They have also assured that a “full bio-secure environment” will be created for the Indian cricket team when it lands here for the multi-format series next month.
“South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full Bio-secure environment will be established around both the National Teams.”
“India’s decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian ‘A’ Team stands in contrast with a number of countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from Southern African,” the statement read.