CSA describes finalizing India tour as ‘very frustrating’

India is set to tour South Africa early next year but the tour dates haven’t been finalized yet. The CSA president, Chris Nenzani, described the experience as “very frustrating” as they still await confirmation of dates from the BCCI. He opined that ICC must adopt a stringent policy for the same.

While the composition of the tour is decided – four Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20I – but the accurate fixtures are not decided yet. CSA has already given up on hosting India for the Boxing Day as Kohli’s men will be playing a home series against Sri Lanka during that time. The issue was spoken about in the CSA Board meeting held on Saturday where CEO Haroon Lorgat said that he is hoping to hear from the Indian Board in the next 24 hours.

“We have agreed on the content, the issue is how do we fit in that content – it’s a very frustrating experience, but we are always hopeful that we can find something workable,” said Nenzani.

CSA looking for other options for one-off Test

With India confirming their unavailability to take part in the Boxing Day Test, South Africa is looking at other options to fill in. CSA is still hopeful that India could play the traditional New Year Test at Newlands in Cape Town which usually begins on January 2.

“It’s important, we believe, to retain that Test match starting date, especially in view of the current climate where we want to promote Test cricket,” said Lorgat.

India wants to get acclimatized to the conditions

India will finish playing a Test series against neighbors Sri Lanka on December 24. The BCCI is keen on playing at least 2 practice games to get acclimatized to the conditions before starting with the 4-Test series.

Nenzani, on Saturday during the CSA’s AGM, had called on the ICC to retake the ownership of the Future Tour Programme. The ICC had relinquished this role in 2014 when the administration of the organization fell under the ‘big three’.

“The ICC must own the FTP to ensure it benefits big and small cricket nations,” Nenzani told the AGM.

“If you don’t have a centrally controlled FTP programme, these issues come up, but if the ICC promotes Test cricket, then you have to give everybody fair chance and their place in the sun.”

India did miserably during their last tour to South Africa. They remained winless during the entire tour and would want to seek redemption as they will enter the series ranked as the No. 1 Test side.