Omicron-hit SA thanks India for 'solidarity' before cricket tour

THE government of South Africa has praised Indian cricketers for their “solidarity” ahead of the Asian country’s upcoming tour. The government has also pledged to “take all precautions necessary” as concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have put the African country in a spot.

The Omicron or B.1.1.529 variant of the deadly virus was first reported in South Africa on November 24 and it has spread fast ever since and several cases have been identified in a number of African and European nations.

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Questions have also been raised over India’s upcoming tour that features three Tests, three one-day internationals and four T20 internationals between December 17 and January 26.

India to tour South Africa for full-fledged tour in December-January

For South African cricket, a tour by India is a huge money-spinner and a question mark over its progress could threaten the host nation’s finances.

But the country has expressed its gratitude over India not red-flagging the tour and said a full bio-secure environment will be set up for the national teams of both South Africa and India just like it has been done for the two countries’ ‘A’ teams that are playing currently.

Former South Africa batter Peter Kirsten plays a shot against India in one of the three one-day international games that his team took part in India on its return from Apartheid ban in 1991.  Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin (left) and wicket-keeper Kiran More are also seen. (Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/Allsport UK) (Getty Images)

“A full bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian A teams as well as the two national teams,” South Africa’s department of international relations and cooperation said in a statement on Tuesday (30), AFP reported.

India’s A team is currently playing the second of three four-day matches against South Africa A in Bloemfontein despite concerns about the new variant of the virus, which has seen bans on travel to and from South Africa and disrupted sporting events in cricket, rugby and golf.

The department added, “India’s decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian A team stands in contrast with several countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from southern African countries after South Africa announced the detection of the new Omicron variant.

“The South African government has expressed its appreciation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allowing the tour to continue and for not letting travel restrictions negatively impact on international sports.”

'India stand with South Africa but prioritises cricketers' safety'

The BCCI is awaiting a green signal from the Indian government for the tour but as the Press Trust of India news agency quoted treasurer Arun Dhumal as saying, “We stand with them (South Africa); the only thing is we won’t compromise on players’ safety.”

“As of now we have a chartered flight going to Johannesburg as scheduled and players will be in a bio bubble.”

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also on Wednesday confirmed that tour remains on schedule as of now. The Indian cricket team is slated to depart for South Africa on December 8 or 9 after the current home series against New Zealand concludes.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands cricket team remained in South Africa despite the one-day internationals scheduled for Sunday (28) and Wednesday (1) having been postponed following the announcement of the travel bans.

India were the first country to play South Africa after the Proteas returned to international cricket in 1991 following their prolonged ban due to Apartheid.