Reports: India tour of South Africa might be delayed by one week amid Omicron fear

India is all set to tour South Africa in the month of December-January for a mega-series but all the travel plans came under trouble after the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant in the nation. In the latest turn of events, it has been reported that India’s tour to the rainbow nation might be delayed by one-week keeping in mind concerns around the omicron variant.

A BCCI official recently stated that both the cricket boards are constantly in touch to ensure the smooth process of the series but it is likely to get postponed by a week. However, the official added that they are still awaiting the nod from the Indian government.

“We are discussing to push back the series by a week due to the threat of Omicron COVID variant and we are awaiting the Indian government nod, both boards are in constant touch and everything is being discussed. The health and safety of our players are of utmost importance,” a BCCI official stated.

South Africa government ensures a safe bubble for the Indian team

It is to be noted that India is set to tour SA for a mega-series comprising three Tests and ODIs each followed by four T20Is where the first Test is set for December 17. In the same line of events, the South Africa government recently stated that they ensure a safe bubble for Team India players if they visit the nation to complete their scheduled series.

“South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full Bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian ‘A’ Teams as well as the two National Teams. India’s decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian ‘A’ Team stands in contrast with a number of countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from Southern African,” said Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which is the country’s foreign ministry, as quoted by The Indian Express.