As new variant threatens Netherlands tour of South Africa, India ‘A’ boys stay put for now; no decision on December tour of senior team yet
Dutch and South African players in their respective dugouts during the washed out first ODI at Centurion on Friday
While the detection of a new variant of Coronavirus in South Africa has led to several countries putting severe travel restrictions in place, the BCCI is keeping a close watch on the developments which could affect the India ‘A’ team in Bloemfontein, where they will play three four-day matches.
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While this venue is in the southern part of the country and the new variant, known as B.1.1.529, has been detected in the northern region, the rapid nature of COVID-19 is causing concern.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal. Pic/AFP
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BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal was concerned over the breakout of a new virus in South Africa, but the Board seems in no mood to call off the tour as yet. “Of course, it is a matter of concern and the BCCI is keeping a close watch. Players’ health and safety is of paramount importance to the BCCI. We will closely monitor the developments in South Africa over the next few days and if we feel that things are going out of hand, a decision will be taken appropriately in consultation with Cricket South Africa.
“As of now, the India ‘A’ team is very well taken care of. We will continue to monitor the situation and will be in touch with Cricket South Africa as well,” Dhumal told mid-day on Friday.
The Netherlands, who are in South Africa to play three ODIs, are contemplating cutting short their South Africa tour in the wake of travel restrictions imposed by the European Union. As per the schedule, the Dutch will end their tour on December 1.
The senior Indian team are set to tour South Africa next month where they will play three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is. The matches will be played at Johannesburg, Centurion, Paarl and Cape Town. They will be in quarantine for three days and the matches will be played in a bio-secure bubble.
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