Omicron COVID-19 variant puts the sports schedule in jeopardy: What’s canceled, what’s postponed

Sporting events in South Africa seem to be in jeopardy. The concerns over the new COVID-19 variant Omicron rise rapidly. Earlier the entire world was at a halt when the first wave of covid had spread. Slowly as things were getting back to normalcy, a new strain popped up. The following events cancelled or called off as a precautionary measure. 

ICC Women’s World Cup qualifier called off

The International Cricket Council confirmed on Saturday (November 27) regarding 2022. The women’s World Cup qualifying tournament was canceled due to travel restrictions imposed in South Africa. The decision comes after the discovery of an Omicron COVID-19 variant. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the West Indies all qualified for the World Cup based on their rankings.

Netherlands vs South Africa ODI series postponed

The first ODI of the series took place on Friday. The decision comes on Saturday following a meeting between Cricket South Africa and the Dutch cricket board. The final two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) of the three-match series between the Netherlands and South Africa have been postponed on Saturday. The decision is due to growing concerns about the Omicron COVID variant.

Matches in the United Rugby Championship to get new dates

The United Rugby Championship matches scheduled for South Africa were postponed on Friday. Due to the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant. The teams that were in South Africa to play the matches have all returned home following the postponement of the matches.

Alfred Dunhill Championship is off

The Alfred Dunhill golf championship was scheduled to start from December 09 to 12 in South Africa. Unfortunately, owing to the travel restrictions in the country amid rising cases of COVID-19, the tournament is off. 

Joburg Open reduced to a 54-hole event

Several top golfers withdrew from the Joburg Open after it was reduced to 54 holes. Inorder to “assist non-South African resident players. As well as caddies, and tournament support staff in returning to their home countries.” However, due to bad weather, the tournament was decided after 36 holes. South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence took the trophy.

In this difficult time of the pandemic, sports have been a good companion to a lot of people. We just hope that the concerns over the new variant come into control soon. And people can go back to enjoying live sports events.