With 31 matches of the IPL 2021 set to be completed between September 18 and October 10, South Africa’s tour of India has once again been cancelled.
The series was originally scheduled for March 2020, but the BCCI and CSA mutually decided to postpone the two matches after Covid-19 hit the world.
“There is a chance that India might play extra games when they tour South Africa early next year,”
the source quoted as per PTI.
The 14th edition of the Premier League was suspended on May 4 amidst multiple Covid-19 positive cases inside the bio-secure bubble.
“The BCCI has spoken to all the stakeholders and the likely start could be between September 18 to 20th. Since September 18 is a Saturday and 19 a Sunday, it is more likely that you would want to re-start it on a weekend date,”
“Similarly, October 9th or 10th will be the final as it’s a weekend. We are finalising the itinerary and there will be 10 double headers and seven evening matches along with four main games (two qualifiers, one eliminator and the final), which completes the list of 31 matches,”
an official disclosed to PTI on anonymity.
The two-match Test series against New Zealand in India is also in jeopardy due to the IPL. As per PTI report, the series scheduled in November could be moved according to the end date of T20 WC.
The BCCI has also not given up on the T20 World Cup hosting honours and is monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country. However, it is highly unlikely that other nations would want to visit India, with the country expected to be hit by the third wave. In case of such events, the UAE has been designated as the backup venue for the T20 WC.
