IND vs SA | South Africa promises secure bio-bubble for Team India amid covid-19 Omicron scare, appreciates BCCI for continuing ‘A’ tour

The Indian team is scheduled to tour South Africa for three Tests starting from December 17, followed by as many ODIs and four T20I fixtures. The team is scheduled to land in South Africa by December 9, but the recent emergence of a new variant of Covid-19, named Omicron, in the country has raised some concerns. The situation has led to several countries implementing travel restrictions.  

"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," a statement from country’s foreign ministry read. 

“India’s decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian ‘A’ Team stands in contrast with a number of countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from Southern Africa…,” the statement added.

South Africa was banned from international cricket by the International Cricket Council in 1970 due to the apartheid policy of South Africa government. The country was readmitted to the sport in 1991 and India became the first country to host them after their comeback to international cricket. 

"The tour of the Indian National Team marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's readmission to international cricket," the ministry statement read.  "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."