The three match test series between India and South Africa is scheduled to begin from December 26. The ODI series is set to commence from January 19.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday announced that the test and ODI series against India will be played behind closed doors and spectators will not be allowed inside the stadium. The decision to host behind closed doors has been taken by both the boards unanimously.
“Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the interests of cricket fans and other stakeholders on the scheduling and the release of the details of ticket sales, in connection with the forthcoming India vs Proteas tour that is scheduled to begin in less than a week.”
“Regrettably, CSA wishes to inform the most ardent fans of cricket as well as all sports lovers that owing to the increasing COVID cases around the world, and the fourth wave locally, the two cricketing bodies have taken a joint decision to protect the players and the tour by NOT making tickets available for the India vs Proteas offerings. This decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment.”
“At this stage we would like to remind all cricket fans that the tour and the matches will still be broadcast on SuperSport and SABC platforms. In addition to this and as part of ongoing efforts to increase the reach of cricket, CSA is exploring other alternative public viewing activations which will ensure that a limited number of fans are able to enjoy the summer cricket atmosphere with other fans via activation sites, while still observing the strictest safety measures and exercising duty of care. CSA will announce the available alternative public viewing activations as soon as the relevant approvals have been secured,” the CSA released a statement.
The decision has been taken keeping in mind the players and the staff’s safety.
Cricket South Africa has done a lot to make this series happen. They have cancelled all the domestic tournaments including the T20 Mzansi Super League for the second time due to the emergence of newly mutated variant of Covid-19 named ‘Omicron’.
Team India will play the three tests at Centurion, Cape Town and at Johannesburg. The ODI series will be played at Paarl and Cape Town.