Since the Covid-19 epidemic last year, cricket calendars have had to be adjusted on many occasions. Though international cricket seemed to be regaining its footing, the South Africa tour of India this year has been postponed due to a collision with the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 14 Phase-2, according to reports.
In September, just before the T20 World Cup, South Africa was scheduled to visit India for a bilateral series. Before the showpiece event, the two teams were set to play three ODIs and as many T20Is as possible. The South Africa series had to be cancelled because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) planned to hold the rest of the IPL 2021 in September and October.
“The series will not be held, and there is no better way to prepare for the T20 World Cup than to participate in a high-intensity tournament like the IPL. Since the T20 World Cup will begin a week or ten days after the IPL concludes, the SA series will have to be postponed.
“There is a possibility that India will play extra games when they visit South Africa early next year,” according to reports.
The Indian team’s tour of England will end on September 14 and IPL 2021 will begin on September 19 or 20. The ICC T20 World Cup will begin in mid-October, not long after the T20 league concludes. Due to the BCCI’s tight timetable, there is little time for the South Africa series.
With the T20 World Cup dates yet to be determined, there is speculation that the Test series between India and New Zealand, scheduled for November this year, could be rescheduled.
In terms of the IPL 2021, the competition is expected to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates, while the T20 World Cup may also be held in the Middle East.
Due to the cancellation of the bilateral series, South African players such as Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and Kagiso Rabada will be eligible for the IPL. However, owing to their international schedules, some of the other overseas stars from Australia and England may not be available.