Cricket South Africa issues statement to provide update on the Netherlands tour

Previously it was reported that the Netherlands tour of South Africa has been canceled and that the visitors will leave without playing the remaining encounters, which were staged for November 28 and December 1. The decision had come whilst the rising cases of the new Covid 19 variant in the country.

However, as per the recent turn of events, it has been reported that it is highly unlikely for the visiting team to leave the country over the weekend. Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a statement to clear all the talks swirling in the wind. As per the statement, both Cricket South Africa and Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB) have confirmed that it is unlikely for the Netherlands to fly out of the host nation immediately.

The statement also added that the KNCB has been trying to figure out all the possible options whilst taking care of the mental and physical well-being of their players. It also stated that the decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours whilst all flight options are also been considered.

The Netherlands was staged to play three One-Day Internationals against the Proteas. The first ODI of the series has gone underway at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on November 26. The Proteas are next due to host India for an all-format series but that too is in doubt.

New Covid-19 variant casts doubt over India’s South Africa tour

A new coronavirus variant – B.1.1.529 has been raising concerns in South Africa. Johannesburg and Pretoria which are the two-Test venues for India’s tour might also become vulnerable to the spread of the new variant. Opening up on it a BCCI official said the decision on the same will be taken post a clear indication of the situation from Cricket South Africa.

“Look, till we get a detailed picture of the ground situation from Cricket South Africa (CSA), we will not be able to tell our next step. As per the current plan, the Indian team is supposed to leave either on December 8 or 9 just after the New Zealand series gets over in Mumbai.

“Initially, there was no provision for hard quarantine but obviously the players will remain in a bio-bubble. Now with cases rising in South Africa and the European Union also canceling flights temporarily, we need to factor in these aspects,” a senior BCCI official said as quoted by TOI.