CSA given the go-ahead to host England
CRICKET South Africa has received the go-ahead from the government to host the England team for a set of limited-overs series next month.
The tour was under a cloud in the wake of CSA’s administrative problems which saw the organisation rebuked by sports, arts and culture minister, Nathi Mthethwa this week. However while Mthethwa is angry with the organisation’s administrators he also understands what the financial implications would be for the sport in general in SA, if the tour did not go ahead.
In that regard he gave his backing for the trip to happen, although that support will have no bearing on the announcement on Wednesday that he would intervene at CSA, given the administrative mismanagement at the organisation. CSA stands to make around R70million because of the tour.
That money is absolutely critical for an organisation that is facing a harsh economic outlook given the Covid-19 lockdown and the loss of sponsors.
England will spend 10 days in isolation at a “bio-secure environment” at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town from 17 November and they will have practice sessions at Newlands. The tour party will number more than 50 individuals including around 40 players for three ODIs and three T20s.
CSA will cover all costs for accommodation and transport in Cape Town, but the England and Wales Cricket
Board will be paying for a special charter flight to transport the 50-over world champions to SA. Yesterday, the Daily Mail website reported that costs for the return charter flights will run to about R8m.
Both the England and SA teams will be staying at the Vineyard Hotel, with matches set to be held at Newlands and Boland Park. CSA has to update the department of home affairs about all England’s arrangements, given that the UK is listed as a high-risk country by that department.
While England completed a home season with matches against the West Indies, Ireland, Pakistan and Australia in a “bio bubble”, the Proteas last saw action in March, winning all three ODIs in a series against Australia.
Tours to the West Indies, India and Sri Lanka have all had to be postponed.
SA were due to host India in August for three T20s and Pakistan this month for ODIs and T20s.
The series against England will be critical in showing that SA can host international matches again, albeit without crowds.
Should it occur without too many hassles, the country could play host to Sri Lanka in the summer for a couple of Test matches.
Pakistan’s board has also said the Proteas will tour that country in January although that hasn’t been confirmed yet, while Australia are due for a Test series in February.
The domestic season will start on 2 November, with a round of four-day matches.