A new COVID-19 variant has threatened to derail cricket in South Africa as the Netherlands Cricket team has decided to return home. A new COVID variant, which has been identified as B.1.1.529 variant, has been found in South Africa. A number of countries have put travel restrictions for those coming from South Africa, with the UK adding SA to the red list.
The two teams were scheduled to play a total of 3 ODIs across 2 different venues in the country. But the visitors will now fly back after the ongoing ODI, which is taking place in Centurion.
Opting to bowl first, Netherlands have restricted the home team to a score of 277/8. They are 11/0 after 2 overs in the chase. The opening ODI has been disrupted by rain and it can have a long impact on the game.
COVID threatens to hamper India tour of South Africa
Meanwhile, the discovery of the new COVID-19 can have an impact on the upcoming India tour of SA as well. A final call will only be taken after the discussions are completed. Team India is scheduled to tour SA for 3 Tests, as many ODIs and 4 T20Is in December-January.
“Look, till we get a detailed picture of the ground situation from Cricket South Africa (CSA), we will not be able to tell our next step. As per the current plan, the Indian team is supposed to leave either on December 8 or 9 just after the New Zealand series gets over in Mumbai,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI.
As per the latest reports, the WHO has called a meeting to discuss the new variant of the infection in South Africa. The Indian government, meanwhile, has asked the states and union territories to conduct rigorous screening for those coming or transiting through SA.
