India vs SA series to be played behind closed doors due to Omicron

Johannesburg:Cricket South Africa on Monday stated that it will make no tickets available for the upcoming bilateral series against India due to the increasing Covid-19 cases around the world and the fourth wave in South Africa.

The decision was taken jointly by the Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to "protect the players and the tour".

In a statement, the CSA said, "Regrettably, CSA wishes to inform the most ardent fans of cricket as well as all sports lovers that owing to the increasing Covid cases around the world, and the fourth wave locally, the two cricketing bodies have taken a joint decision to protect the players and the tour by NOT making tickets available for the India vs Proteas offerings."

"This decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment."

Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer said, "We acknowledge the interest expressed by the fans and other stakeholders on being able to return to stadiums and want to assure all cricket fans that this decision was not taken lightly, but was instead taken in the best interest of the game and in the interest of the health and safety of all patrons."

Moseki also urged South Africans to get vaccinated in order to revive the country economically.

"Consequently, we urge all sport lovers to exercise absolute care, during these extraordinary times.

"I also wish to take this time to urge all South Africans to continue spreading the positive messages of VACCINATION, VACCINATION AND VACCINATION, because this is the only way that we can truly get our country back into its high economic activity, which will assist government to open up the economy and all its forms of economic activity, including allowing greater numbers of fans back into stadiums," Moseki signed off.

The bilateral series between India and South Africa includes three-match Test series, followed by three One-Day Internationals. The series will begin on December 26 at Centurion. The Test leg is part of the 2021–2023 ICC World Test Championship.(UNI)