India may resume international cricket action with a three-match T20 International series in South Africa. Cricket South Africa in a Press conference today has confirmed the series, subject to the Covid-19 related situation and guidelines from the Governments of two countries.
A nod by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to tour South Africa would also mean that the CSA will reciprocate the gesture by supporting the IPL 2020, which might be staged during October-November if the ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa is deferred.
CSA’s acting Chief Executive Jacques Foul, while announcing the expected series against India, said that “We’ve had a very good discussion with them (BCCI).
“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. We’re trying to be innovative because it is an important tour to us,” Foul is reported as saying in a section of media.
“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.”
Situation permitting, the series might be India’s first international assignment after the nationwide lockdown which has seen all sporting activities suspended since the last week of March.
The series with India will come as a major commercial boost to the CSA, which is bracing big losses.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has also confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the Indian board had spoken to CSA on Wednesday and added the tour would be subject to the travel guidelines at the time. “We are positive. We’ve had a healthy discussion, but it is work in progress as of now,” said Dhumal.
“We have committed that in case there are no travel restrictions, everything is safe, then we would like to work it out. Our commitment is to that level. We have not firmed up any date.”
Earlier, Dhumal had also hinted that if situation permitted India will go ahead with its scheduled tour of Australia early next year.