The Indian cricket tour of South Africa, which is due to start later this month, is still on schedule. This could change, however, given the situation with Covid-19 in the country.
India is scheduled to play three Test matches, three ODIs, and four T20Is between 16 December and 26 January.
The Netherlands cricket side have already pulled out of an ODI series against South Africa following the news of the Omicron variant in South Africa. However, the India A side are currently playing a series against their South African counterparts and they have indicated they will remain in the country to complete their commitments.
The Indian cricket side are due to fly to South Africa on 8 or 9 December, and as it currently stands they will likely make the trip. However, if the Indian government announces travel restrictions with South Africa this could see a spanner in the works.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Indian captain Virat Kohli said he was confident that there would be clarity within the next few days on whether the tour would go ahead.
If the tour does get cancelled or postponed it would be a significant financial blow to Cricket South Africa. Tours by India are lucrative for hosting countries, thanks to India’s large population and the popularity of cricket there, with television rights being sold by home boards for significant amounts.
Earlier this year Australia pulled out of a Test tour of South Africa because of concerns over Covid-19.