The South African cricket team has refused to play a 3-match ODI series against Australia. The decision comes as the series may clash with the schedule of the domestic T20 league that will start in January. This certainly means that the direct qualification scenario for the 2023 World Cup for South Africa is now uncertain.
The games were a part of the ODI Super League. Now, Australia will be deemed the 3-0 series win and get the additional points. Moreover, direct qualification into the 2023 World Cup is accessible to the top 8 Super League teams. The 2023 World Cup will be held in India in October-November.
The South African Team must win 6 out of 8 games for direct qualification
CSA Chief Executive Officer said, “CSA is always keen on honouring its bilateral commitments. While CSA is committed to honouring its fixtures in respect of the Future Tours Programme there will sometimes be unforeseen circumstances that would negate this resolve. In the case of the Australia tour, CSA reached out to its counterpart months ago to reschedule the tour to mutually agreeable dates. (Modafinil) CSA offered four options to that effect. Unfortunately, and to our disappointment, none of these was acceptable to Cricket Australia.”
In the current Super League rankings, the South African Team is at the 11th position. In order to qualify directly, they have to win 6 out of their 8 upcoming games. CSA will play three games against England, 3 against India and 2 against The Netherlands. However, failing to win 6 games will make the South African Team compete against the 5 associate nations to get a spot in the World Cup.
Current Super League rankings:
- England (125 points)
- Bangladesh (120 points)
- Afghanistan (100 points)
- Pakistan (90 points)
- New Zealand (80 points)
- West Indies (80 points)
- India (79 points)
- Australia (70 points)
- Ireland (68 points)
- Sri Lanka (62 points)
- South Africa (49 points)
- Zimbabwe (35 points)
- Netherlands (25 points)
