India Tour of South Africa: A complete biosecurity environment among the concerns of the Omicron variant

The South African Foreign Ministry has said it will create a “complete biosecurity environment” for the Indian cricket team when it lands here for a series expected next month and the BCCI has praised its “A” team for not coming out, though. Panic caused by the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19.

India A will begin its second unofficial test against South Africa’s A on Tuesday in Bloemfontein, keeping the country afloat despite fears of the discovery of the Omicron variant worldwide.

The senior Indian team will compete in three tests from December 17, followed by as many ODI and four T20 International.

Virat Kohli and his men are scheduled to land here for December 9, but there have been some concerns about the ride due to the discovery of the Omicron variant in the region, which has led to travel restrictions in several countries.

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“South Africa will take all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of Indian groups. A full bio-security environment will be established around South Africa and India’s ‘A’ groups and two national groups,” the Department said. The International Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (DIRCO), the country’s foreign ministry, said.

“The decision to express solidarity with India’s choice to continue with the‘ A ’Group tour in India goes against many countries that have decided to close their borders and restrict travel from South Africa,” he added.

The ministry said the South African government thanked the BCCI for allowing the tour to continue and that “travel restrictions have not had a negative impact on international sports”. The first India-South Africa test will be played in Johannesburg, the second match in Centurion (December 26) and the third match in Cape Town (January 3).

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“The tour of the Indian National Team marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s acceptance into international cricket.” In 1991, India became the first country to host a South African team, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the country from international cricket in 1970 due to the apartheid policy of the then South African government.

“The anniversary will be celebrated with a memorial service to be held in Cape Town on January 2, 2022. This event will also serve to highlight the strong ties between South Africa and India, as evidenced by the tour of the two. Indian groups,” the ministry said in a statement.