India To Play T20I Series Against South Africa Before IPL 2020: Report

It looks like Team India could step on the field much earlier than expected. As of now, the tour of Australia towards the end of the year looks to be Team India’s first international assignment since the coronavirus pandemic halted action around the world.

Team India have not played any international game since the tour of New Zealand ended in early March. The Men in Blue were involved in a three-match ODI series against South Africa when the series was postponed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

At present, all the focus is on the IPL which is likely to be played between September 26 to November 8. With the ICC finally postponing the T20 World Cup earlier this week, the BCCI has started its preparation for the competition. IPL chairman Brijesh Patel has already confirmed that the tournament is likely to be held in the UAE.

Team India and South Africa to lock horns ahead of IPL:

Amidst all these, reports have surfaced stating that the BCCI wants to have a few international games before the IPL. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, few stakeholders of the BCCI want Team India to play a short series before the IPL, preferably against South Africa. Interestingly enough, BCCI and Cricket South Africa have a few common stakeholders.

Both the teams were scheduled to play three T20I games in August although the series was not part of the original Future Tours Program. With nearly two months left before the IPL window, it would not be surprising if Virat Kohli & Co. take the field in the coming days.

The report further stated that the IPL franchises will not be too happy to let the Indian players go for an international series before the tournament but they have little choice. Secondly, the players are also short on match practice and they too will be willing to play few games before the IPL.

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