India tour of South Africa in August quite difficult, feels BCCI official

Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said considering the current situation, it will not be possible to travel to South Africa for the series as there are players in the team who haven’t had proper training sessions in the last 50-60 days.

“See, this is not really possible. Fitness training is one thing. Training with the bat and ball is a completely different thing. We have guys who haven’t touched a bat or ball in a training environment in the last 50-60 days. How do you expect them to go out and play international matches?

“Yes, they have been doing their best to keep their fitness level up to the mark. However, batting and bowling sessions will be needed. Like we have said before, BCCI will honour all its bilateral commitments. If not currently, we will find dates which will be suitable for both parties. But a series in South Africa in August is quite difficult,” said the official.

But, CSA is optimistic about hosting India for three T20Is in late August. CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith said the board is also in constant touch with BCCI regarding the same. “We have been talking to BCCI and the commitment is there to get the three T20s done,” Smith said at a news conference on Thursday.

“There is an element of guesswork, no one knows what things will be like at the end of August. But, we believe we are a socially-distanced sport and that we can play behind closed doors.” CSA’s acting chief executive Jacques Faul said BCCI is keen to honour its commitment to tour the country.

“India wants to honour its agreement. If the series is postponed, it may take place a bit later,” said Faul. “We have had a very good discussion with BCCI.” Interestingly, India’s last international assignment, which got interrupted due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, was against the Proteas in mid-March. 

Cricket South Africa (CSA) director of cricket Graeme Smith made a strong call for India’s Sourav Ganguly to be the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). 

Smith said he believes Ganguly, a former Test captain and current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, is the right person to lead the game at a time of crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is very important to have the right person as the head of ICC,” said former SA skipper Smith.

“Post COVID-19, cricket will need strong leadership and it is time for someone close to the modern game with leadership credentials to get into the position.” Shashank Manohar, the current chairman of ICC, also from India, said last December he would not seek re-election when his term expires at the end of this month.