India's tour of South Africa on as of now: BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal

Dark clouds are looming over India’s upcoming tour of South Africa due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant in the African nation. The variant, which has been named omicron by the World Health Organization, is found out more infectious than the previous variants. Hence, cases have been on a rise in several parts of the African nations. Hence, the biggest question is whether the full-fledged tour would go as per the schedule or not.

For the unversed, the tour comprises three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20Is – starting from December 17. Speaking on the hot topic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal said the tour is pretty much on at the moment as provided the situation doesn’t aggravate in South Africa after the new variant was detected there.

We won’t compromise on players’ safety: BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal

Team India is scheduled to leave for Johannesburg on December 8 or 9 on a chartered flight. Dhumal is confident about the fact that the bio-bubble environment created by South Africa will keep the players safe. “We stand with them (as they deal with this threat), the only thing is we won’t compromise on players’ safety. As of now we have a chartered flight going to Johannesburg as scheduled and players will be in a bio bubble,”Dhumal was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“Whatever best we can do to not compromise the series we will try and do but if situation aggravates and if it compromises our players’ safety and health, we will see. In the end, whatever is the Government of India advisory, we will abide by that,” added the BCCI treasurer.

It has to be noted that several countries worldwide have imposed travel bans from South Africa to keep their citizens safe. However, Indian government hasn’t done that so far. Nevertheless, South Africa is among the ‘at risk’ countries as per the new guidelines released by the Indian government.

Notably, India A is also currently in South Africa and their matches haven’t been interrupted by an outside factor so far. With more than a week remaining in the senior team’s departure, it remains to be seen if BCCI take a tough call or not.