With the India tour of South Africa scheduled for December and concerns about the Covid-19 situation in the country, questions have arisen over the feasibility of the tour and whether it will be able to go ahead as planned.
There is no change in plans at the moment, and the tour is set to go ahead as per schedule. It has been made clear that the Indian team will need to obtain permission to tour South Africa, although borders between the two countries are currently open, with Indian Prime Minister Modi requesting officials to review the travel restrictions with the current situation in mind.
The India A squad is currently in South Africa for a series of four-day games. Indian contingent will remain there as both sides are committed to carrying on with their cricket. However, with the grim coronavirus situation, if travel policy takes a hit between now and December 8-9, we could see a situation where the Indian team might not be able to travel to South Africa.
Currently, the Netherlands side, who are currently in South Africa, have decided to postpone their remaining ODI games, while the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers being held in Zimbabwe have been put off. But, India A are expected to stay at Bloemfontein and complete their four-day match series, of which there are two games are remaining.
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The India A squad not returning might suggest that the senior squad will travel as well, but there is the possibility that the situation could change quickly, with many nations restricting travel to the South African region.
As it stands, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and a majority of European countries are all suspending travel to the region. The South African government, on the other hand, has requested all these nations to review their decision.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said that discussions were going on between the stakeholders regarding the situation, saying,
“Both boards are in touch. They will take a final call soon. We will abide by travel directive from the Indian government in the interim. We are monitoring the situation closely and players’ safety is paramount for both BCCI and CSA,”
With a delicate situation at hand and Cricket South Africa worried about the conduct of the series, it is unlikely that the BCCI would rush into any decision.
Anurag Thakur, the Indian sports minister, told ANI,
“In such situations, every board, be it BCCI or any other, should take permission from the government of India. The government will make a decision when it gets the application from them (BCCI).”
The Indian tour of South Africa will commence on December 17, consisting of three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is, culminating on January 26.
