Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced in a press release that team India may play three T20 International matches at the end of August, given the on-going coronavirus pandemic subsides or else improves. CSA’s acting Jacques Faul said that the fixtures are currently scheduled for late August.
Faul also spoke positively about the discussions going on to play against India but added that much of that planning revolved around the lockdown and what the South African government would and would not allow.
The executive said, “We’ve had a very good discussion with them (BCCI).” He further added, “We are engaging via SASCOC with the Minister (of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa). We are in the process of seeking an audience with the Minister to get permission if needed to play behind closed doors and this will relate to the possibility of the India tour and other incoming tours.”
“Leading to that, a lot of good work is being done by Dr. Manjra, who heads up our COVID-19 steering committee. We continue to take guidance from him. A lot of work is being done in terms of scenario planning,” he further added.
BCCI agreeing to this bilateral series will also mean that if they want to organize the IPL in the October-November window rather than the T20 World Cup, they will have the support of CSA.
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Considering the rapidly changing situation, CSA has confirmed that the series will be subject to clearances from both India and South Africa’s highest authorities.
He also said, “The CSA also confirmed that the India tour was not the only one they were working on.“ “We’re engaging with the West Indies Cricket Board regarding tours that have been postponed and the FTP,” Faul further added.
As of now, BCCI is yet to make any decisions about the Indian Premier League (IPL) being hosted in India behind closed doors.