India-South Africa Freedom Series in Jan, would continue to be a 4-match affair

After initial developments about India-South Africa Freedom Series starting January 2018, being a curtailed affair to accommodate a tri-series at home, Cricket South Africa (CSA) can now take a sigh of relief to see the Indian side take part a full fledged tour of 4-match Test series. India, apart from the four Test matches, will take on the Proteas in 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat initially desired to host India in the Boxing Day Test which traditionally begins on December 26. South Africa has a busy summer ahead as they host Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in the home season. India threatened to curtail the tour, much to the concern of the South African board. But those speculations have been unfounded after the announcement from a BCCI office bearer. The first edition of the India-South Africa Freedom Series was held in India as the home side emerged victorious in 2015.

India takes on SA, SL and Pakistan in March 2018

“Yes, the tour to South Africa is very much on. It will be a full-fledged series, involving four Tests, five ODIs and 3 T20Is,” commented a BCCI office bearer according to TOI. The official further added that the men in blue would be taking the flight to South Africa on December 28 post-Christmas. The first Test match is scheduled to commence on the 3rd of January.

BCCI also intends to play a couple of practice matches prior to the First Test match but given the busy schedule of the Indian, it would be a task to chalk out the event. As the Sri Lankan series ends on December 23, India can only have a single match before taking on Faf du Plessis‘ men. After the gruelling tour to Rainbow Nation, India fly down to Sri Lanka to take part in the Independence Cup featuring South Africa and Pakistan in a quadrangular affair. “That tournament will begin by March 15,” added the official.