BCCI seeks special approval from government for SA tour amid concerns around new COVID-19 variant

In light of the new COVID-19 variant in South Africa, India’s tour to the nation for December-January is under little trouble. As of now, the borders between the two nations are open, it is not known how the situation will pan out around 8-9 December, dates when the Indian team is expected to fly to South Africa. It has to be noted that the BCCI will now have to take special permission from the government of India before making their travel plans final.

In the wake of the new variant COVID-19 virus, which has already been declared as the variant of concern by WHO, Netherlands team has decided to call off their remaining two ODIs with SA. In the same light, the women’s ODI World Cup qualifiers have also been called off totally which were to be held in South Africa.

In the same sequence, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has stated that both CSA and the Indian cricket board are in touch to take the final call where players’ safety will be of primary importance. As of now, India is scheduled to play the first Test against the Proteas on December 17^th.

We will abide by travel directives from the Indian government in the interim: Arun Dhumal

“We are monitoring the situation closely and players’ safety is paramount for both BCCI and CSA. Both boards are in touch. They will take a final call soon. We will abide by travel directives from the Indian government in the interim.  said BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“In such situations, every board, be it BCCI or any other, should take permission from the government of India. The government will take a decision when it gets the application from them (BCCI),” said former BCCI President and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on the development of India’s SA tour.

However, India A is currently in South Africa, playing against their A team and they would be completing their remaining two red ball games against the host nation. India A not retuning home might suggest that senior team would travel but several countries have already started putting a ban on travel from South African regions.