The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the selection committee meeting for India’s upcoming tour of South Africa on hold after the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron has come to the fore.
According to a report by the Times of India, BCCI is waiting for approval from the Indian government before sending the team to the African country. According to the original schedule, the squad was to be picked after the completion of the 1st test at Kanpur. The Indian team was scheduled to fly to South Africa on 8th December just after the completion of the second Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai. However, as of now, things are unclear whether the BCCI will stick to the same plan or not.
The senior players who have been rested for the Test series against New Zealand were initially asked to enter a mandatory quarantine in Mumbai from December 3. But according to the report, they are yet to be given a clear itinerary.
“Until the players get a reply from the BCCI, confusion will prevail because nobody knows anything. But if you look at the statement that’s been released by a ministerial department of the government of South Africa. It emphasizes the security process and thanked BCCI for the deep relationship the two countries have shared. That’s their way of saying, ‘come and we’ll take care. The ball is now in BCCI’s court,” a BCCI official said.
Things will be clear in a couple of days: BCCI
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has said the tour will go as per the schedule. However, he said that the board is currently awaiting a call from the central government and BCCI is closely monitoring the situation in South Africa.
“The tour is on as things stand till now. We still have time to decide. The first Test is scheduled for December 17. We will ponder about it. Players’ security and health have always been BCCI’s first priority, we will do everything possible for this. We will see what happens in the days to come,” said Ganguly (To PTI).
India tour of South Africa begins with a three-match test series on December 17, followed by as many ODI games and four T20Is.
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.
“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 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 that have decided to close their borders. And to restrict travel from Southern African,” the statement read.