On December 20, CSA and BCCI announced jointly that the forthcoming India tour of South Africa, featuring 3 Tests and 3 ODIs, will be held behind closed doors in its entirety. No fans will be allowed to visit the stadiums in Johannesburg, Centurion, Cape Town and Paarl for India’s highly anticipated month-long series.
The decision has been taken for health safety purposes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with special consideration given to the fourth wave in the rainbow nation since the emergence and spread of the contagious virus’ dangerous variant Omicron.
“Regrettably, CSA wishes to inform the most ardent fans of cricket as well as all sports lovers that owing to the increasing Covid cases around the world, and the fourth wave locally, the two cricketing bodies have taken a joint decision to protect the players and the tour by NOT making tickets available for the India vs Proteas offerings,”
a CSA statement regard in this regard.
“This decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment.”
Interestingly, the decision taken in mutual agreement by CSA and BCCI has been made despite the South African government’s allowance for a maximum of 2000 fully-vaccinated spectators to visit the sports stadiums in the country. It is clear that the two boards, especially CSA, aren’t willing to take any risk of the virus entering the series’ bio-bubble and two teams’ camp.
However, ESPNcricinfo reported, “hospitality suites will be open” with a limit of 50% capacity, “as CSA seeks to fulfill contractual obligations with corporate partners.”
Aware that the restrictions will be a cause of disappointment for the passionate Proteas fans, CSA confirmed that it is exploring other ways in which it can enable viewers a chance to get up and close with the India series.
The Omicron led fourth coronavirus wave has already resulted in suspension of the first-class season, the Netherlands ODIs and cancellation of the Mzansi Super League. Thus, CSA wishes to leave no stone unturned in securing the highly lucrative India series, beginning December 26.
