South Africa-Netherlands ODI series abandoned due to COVID-19 fears, India tour in jeopardy

The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Netherlands have been called off amidst the growing fears of COVID-19 in the country. South Africa is seeing a steady rise in the number of COVID-19 patients infected by the new variant of COVID-19, which is expected to be far more deadly and contagious. It is also assumed to be resistant to various vaccines. Given the spike, many countries have started to ban flights from South Africa.

The concerning situation forced the Netherlands cricket board and Cricket South Africa to mutually abandon the series. The boards will now look to reschedule the series in 2023.

“We are disappointed by the unfortunate situation we find ourselves in, but the comfort of all visiting teams must always be paramount. The mental well-being of players is one of CSA’s top priorities, and we respect our visitors’ position and point of view,” Cricket South Africa Acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki said.

“CSA and KNCB will get into discussions around possibly rescheduling the tour within this cycle of the ICC Future Tours Programme ending in 2023,” he added.

Netherlands Cricket Board chairman, Jurgen Delfos said, “We are saddened by these circumstances, but are grateful to Cricket South Africa for their assistance and understanding of our team’s position. It must be made clear that the concerns are strictly over travel issues and how soon the team can get home and have nothing to do with the integrity of the Bio-Secure Environment (BSE) that CSA has successfully hosted. Our team has been pleased with every aspect of the organisation of the tour and have been well treated by our hosts.”

“We have been looking forward to this series against the Proteas for some time and are keen on returning to South Africa in the near future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the developments are not a good sign for India's tour of South Africa. India are set to play a multi-format series in South Africa in December-January. If the situation doesn't improve in the coming days, the tour going ahead looks very unlikely.