Sri Lanka Might Cancel The Tour Of South Africa After ODI Series Against England Was Called-Off

In the latest news, Sri Lanka Cricket Board(SLC) is considering to pull out from their tour to South Africa amidst the covid-19 cases in the South African and the English camp. The 3-match ODI series between hosts, South Africa and England has been called off after players and staff from both sides were tested positive for the virus.

Earlier at least 3 South African players contracted the coronavirus, and later ahead of the ODI series, 2 England players, and 2 workers in the hotel have been tested positive for covid-19.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board not assured by the bio-bubble

The SLC is concerned over the effectiveness of bio-bubble in keeping the players safe after the number of cases recently. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) is trying its best to assure the visitors about the safety of the players.

SLC cannot afford their players to return back with physical or mental health issues as they will be hosting England after the expected tour to South Africa. The Proteas also are scheduled to host Australia and Pakistan after the Sri Lanka series. If the Islanders pull out, it would a major blow to the already financially depleted CSA board.

Post the withdrawal of the England team from the ODI series, SLC has asked for tougher protocols to be implemented, as they don’t want any of their players to be unwell.

“I have to bring the [Sri Lankan] players back from South Africa without a single positive case. We’ve requested [South Africa’s] protocols be identical to the bio-bubble protocols we have been using for the LPL (Lanka Premier League). We’ve been successful with those.

“Players have tested positive but they’ve been isolated. We’re requesting these protocols be followed not just by our team, but theirs as well,” as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, Sri Lanka’s team physician, Dr. Daminda Attanayake said.

A three-day practice match is slated for 20th December. The 2-match Test series is scheduled to begin on 26th December in Centurion followed by the second Test in Johannesburg. Sri Lanka won a historic series on their previous tour.

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