India vs South Africa Test series to be played behind closed doors

With the rising threat from the latest variant of Covid-19, Cricket South Africa has decided that the Test series between India and South Africa will be played behind closed doors.

Going by the latest Covid protocols in South Africa, a total of 2000 fully-vaccinated spectators are allowed in sports venues. However, the two cricketing authorities have decided after a meeting that it is in the best interest of both the teams that this series be played behind closed doors.

Hospitality suites will be open that will allow CSA to fulfil the stipulations as mentioned in indenture with the corporate partners. However, the headcount will be confined to 50 percent, considering the current Covid protocols in the nation.

A CSA communique said, “Regrettably, CSA wishes to inform the most ardent fans of cricket as well as all sports lovers that owing to the increasing Covid cases around the world, and the fourth wave locally, the two cricketing bodies have taken a joint decision to protect the players and the tour by NOT making tickets available for the India vs Proteas offerings. This decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment."

“As part of ongoing efforts to increase the reach of cricket, CSA is exploring other alternative public viewing activations which will ensure that a limited number of fans are able to enjoy the summer cricket atmosphere with other fans via activation sites, while still observing the strictest safety measures and exercising duty of care. CSA will announce the available alternative public viewing activations as soon as the relevant approvals have been secured."

The country is reeling from the fourth wave of the Covid 19 virus where the emergence of Omicron has seen them registering 20000 cases last week. Despite the numbers coming down to 17000 in the ongoing week, the concern still remains.