LATEST: Why NO fans will be allowed during Proteas-India series

The Proteas are set to play three Tests against India from 26 December 2021 to 15 January 2022, with plenty of work having gone on behind the scenes to ensure this tour could go ahead despite concerns around the fourth wave of Covid-19 in South Africa.

However, it will disappointingly be played behind closed doors after it was confirmed that 2,000 fans would no longer be granted ticket access.

“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,” a statement read explaining the decision.

“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.”

Meanwhile, 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.

Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “We acknowledge the interest expressed by the fans and other stakeholders on being able to return to stadiums and want to assure all cricket fans that this decision was not taken lightly, but was instead taken in the best interest of the game and in the interest of the health and safety of all patrons.

“Consequently, we urge all sport lovers to exercise absolute care, during these extraordinary times. I also wish to take this time to urge all South Africans to continue spreading the positive messages of VACCINATION, VACCINATION AND VACCINATION, because this is the only way that we can truly get our country back into its high economic activity, which will assist government to open up the economy and all its forms of economic activity, including allowing greater numbers of fans back into stadiums.”

READ | HOW PROTEAS-INDIA SERIES WAS SAVED

The Proteas-India series will form part of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship and will be hosted in three venues: SuperSport Park, Wanderers and Newlands, respectively.

India has a poor Test record in South Africa, having won only three of the 20 matches played.

India v South Africa Test schedule

26-30 December 21 | 1st WTC Test vs India | SuperSport Park, Centurion
3-7 January 22 | 2nd WTC Test vs India | Wanderers, Johannesburg
11-15 January 22 | 3rd WTC Test vs India | Newlands, Cape Town

Proteas Test squad

Dean Elgar (captain, Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Lions), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper, Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Sarel Erwee (Dolphins), Beuran Hendricks (Western Province), George Linde (Western Province), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Dolphins), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (Western Province), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins), Sisanda Magala (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Duanne Olivier (Lions)