South Africa Tour Of West Indies Cancelled Indefinitely: Graeme Smith

South African tour of West Indies has been postponed for an indefinite period of time but the team is expected to be ‘very busy’ from November onwards, Graeme Smith, director of South African cricket, told reporters on Saturday (August 01).

The Proteas were scheduled to tour the Caribbean islands for two Tests and five T20Is in the month of July but that was postponed due to the onslaught of Covid-19.

Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave had said last week that the board is hoping to host South Africa for either two Tests or 5 T20Is in September as a majority of the national players barring Imran Tahir, who failed to make their travel arrangements in time for the CPL, would be required to travel to the UAE for the IPL. The 13th edition of the IPL is set to start from September 19.

“The West Indies tour has been postponed indefinitely. We are struggling to find the time with the Indian Premier League when our players are likely to be needed from the beginning of September,” Graeme Smith told reporters as quoted by Reuters.

Also Read– Imran Tahir Set To Be The Only South African Player To Participate In CPL 2020

Graeme Smith signals that South African could be in for a ‘really busy’ period from November onwards

The Proteas haven’t played an international rubber since the postponement of the ODI series against India back in March. Admitting that lack of cricket is a ‘financial bomb’ for CSA, who have lost their sponsorship and broadcasting rights in the past few months, Graeme Smith said that the rainbow nation’s cricket team could have a really busy period from November onwards which could see them play series at times when they don’t usually play.

“In terms of when we will get back onto the field, we are probably looking at November onwards. And if all goes well, it will then be a very busy period for South African cricket, playing series at times when we don’t usually play,” Graeme Smith added.

“It will be a case of trying to cram in all the tours that have been missed. Financially we are in a lot of trouble. We need to get our broadcast rights in, support from corporate sponsorship and get the right content (series) in place,’ he said.

South Africa are scheduled to play Test series against Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka between January-March next year.

Also Read– South African Players Likely To Miss The Initial Stage Of IPL 2020