South Africa’s Director of Cricket Graeme Smith© AFP
South African Cricket Director Graeme Smith has thanked the Indian players and BCCI for their confidence in the hosts’ ability to successfully host matches during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying their exemplary commitment “has set the example for others to follow. The BCCI had decided to go ahead with the highly anticipated tour of South Africa, despite growing concerns about the spread of the new COVID-19 variant – Omicron, which was first reported in the Rainbow Nation.
India and South Africa completed a successful tour, including three Tests and as many ODIs, which ended on Sunday.
“Thank you so much @BCCI @JayShah @SGanguly99 and the Indian players and management for the confidence you have shown in SA cricket’s ability to have a safe and successful tour. Your efforts in an uncertain time have set an example for many to follow,” Smith tweeted.
Big thanks @BCCI @JayShah @SGanguly99 and the Indian players and management for the confidence you showed in SA cricket’s ability to have a safe and successful tour. Your commitment in an uncertain time has set an example that many can follow.
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) January 23, 2022
The tweet from the former skipper also appears to be aimed at the Australian and English boards.
Australia had postponed a three-game test tour of South Africa last year due to an “unacceptable” coronavirus risk, after which Smith was disappointed with CA’s decision.
England, on the other hand, had returned home midway through limited-overs series in South Africa following a COVID-19 outbreak in a bio-bubble arrangement in South Africa in December 2020.
The Proteas won both series — Test and ODI — against India, which helped revive the South African team, and the money for the broadcast rights from this tour is also likely to bring CSA back to health.
Prior to India’s tour, South Africa’s discovery of the Omicron variant had caused much trepidation as cases skyrocketed in the country.
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The Rainbow Nation’s Dutch tour was cancelled, while CSA also had to postpone the domestic matches.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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