We are certainly pushing hard to get crowds back for India series: Graeme Smith

Cricket South Africa (CSA) director Graeme Smith has spoken about the team’s upcoming home series against India in the month of December and January 2022 and highlighted how it is important for the country financially. South Africa had suffered huge losses during last year when England withdrew from their ODI series due to the impending threat of COVID-19.

South Africa’s home season took a further dip when Australia refused to travel for its scheduled three Tests in February and March earlier this year. Smith sounded optimistic about the upcoming India series and felt it is one of the vital series for recovering some financial losses suffered during the past one year or so.

India are set to play three Tests in South Africa starting from 17^th December to January 7. Later the teams are set to battle in four-match T20I series starting from 11 January to 16. CSA director also expects a good amount of crowds for the upcoming matches.

“Having India here at the end of the year is a huge tour for us. It’s not only from a cricket perspective where their results over a period of time has been exciting away from home, which is unique for an Indian team. They have never won here and that adds a lot to the flavor of the Test summer. It’s a huge tour for Cricket SA which is trying to rebuild itself from a challenging time. The chairman and the board have been in a number of meetings around it. We are certainly pushing hard to get crowds back for that series,” Smith said to iol.co.za.

Incidentally, Sri Lanka is the only Asian team to have won a Test series in South Africa. India are yet to win their maiden series, and that should be enough to motivate Virat Kolhi-led India to give it their all during the three Tests.

We have done our bit in terms of pushing vaccinations: Graeme Smith

Smith further opined that he wants the vibe and enthusiasm of fans back in the stadium. The former South Africa captain also added that the efforts the government is taking to get the majority of people vaccinated should be reflected during the series against India.

“I watched some videos in the first part of the seminar and looking back at the full stadiums, the energy, and the vibe, and we certainly want to get that back there by the end of the year. We have done our bit in terms of pushing vaccinations and hopefully, we can crowds back by the end of the year. Let’s hold thumbs!”