The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has confirmed that India’s tour of South Africa is currently going as per schedule.
The emergence of a new covid-19 variant in the African region had put the tour in doubt. However, Virat Kohli and co’s scheduled departure from a chartered flight is expected to go ahead, as per Dhumal.
“We stand with them (as they deal with this threat). The only thing is we won’t compromise on players’ safety. As of now, we have a chartered flight going to Johannesburg as scheduled, and players will be in a bio-bubble,” Dhumal was quoted as saying to PTI.
“In the end, we will abide by what the Government of India said” – Arun Dhumal
While the two boards will put the necessary protocols in place, the final decision can be affected by what the Government of India (GOI) says on the matter. Arun Dhumal confirmed the same, implying their decision will be quite vital in this situation.
“We are in constant touch with Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials. Whatever best we can do to not compromise the series, we will try and do, but if the situation aggravates and if it compromises our players’ safety and health, we will see. In the end, whatever is the Government of India advisory, we will abide by that,” Dhamal mentioned.
The tour is set to begin with the 3-match Test series on December 17. Following that will be a 3-match ODI series and a 4-match T20I series.
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