Omicron threat: South Africa promises fully secure bio-bubble for India

India are due to tour South Africa for an-all format tour starting from December 17. The tour comprises three Test matches, three ODIs, and four T20Is. However, the series is under serious threat due to the new COVID-19 variant Omicron which gripping the African country.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not given any statement about cancelling or postponing the tour. However, if the situation does not improve, things will get trickier.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s foreign ministry has said it will provide India with a fully bio-secure environment. The senior men’s team are due to leave on December 9. "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," the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which is the country's foreign ministry, stated.

The foreign ministry has also expressed gratitude to the Indian board for allowing its A team to continue with the tour amidst several countries backing from their respective series played in Africa. The unofficial first Test is completed and the second Test got underway today, November 30. The India series also marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's readmission to international cricket. India was the first country that toured South Africa after the ban was uplifted.

"The anniversary will be celebrated by a commemorative event that will take place on January 2, 2022, in Cape Town. This event will also serve to highlight the strong ties between South Africa and India, which is once again demonstrated by the tour of the two Indian teams," the ministry statement read.