India's Tour Of South Africa Likely To Be Delayed By A Week Amid Concerns Over Omicron Variant Of Covid-19

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in talks with Cricket South Africa (CSA) over pushing back the start of the Test series by a week as it ponders over the threat of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.

India were scheduled to leave for South Africa on December 8 or 9 following the completion of the 2nd Test against New Zealand. The tour comprises three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is from December 17 to January 26.

However, now, according to a report in India Today the Indian team is likely to depart only on December 15 or later. The BCCI will discuss this topic in its AGM on Saturday in Kolkata and a decision is expected to be announced by Sunday.

“The BCCI and the players are inclined towards touring South Africa, provided the Covid situation doesn’t blow up. BCCI wants to wait and watch how the Omicron threat will develop over the next few days. The board is in constant touch with the Indian government and CSA over the fate of the South Africa tour,” said a report in India Today.

“Both the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are keen on going ahead with the tour despite rising concerns over the new Covid variant.”

BCCI concerned over quarantine of Indian players upon return to home

The board is also concerned about the fact that the players may have to undergo quarantine upon returning home from South Africa, considering that they host West Indies in February.

However, the South Africa government said it is hopeful of hosting India for the series and assured safety and security for the players amid Omicron threat.

“South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full Bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian ‘A’ Teams as well as the two National Teams,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which is the country’s foreign ministry, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has agreed to allow the ongoing India ‘A’ tour to continue in South Africa.

Also Read: As Far As We Are Concerned, MS Dhoni Plays A Major Role Because He Controls The Team – CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan