This month’s ODI series between India and the Proteas has been cancelled due to the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The first ODI in Dharamsala was washed out without a ball bowled. The second and third matches in Lucknow and Kolkata, respectively, were going to be played behind closed doors as a preventative measure.

However, Cricket South Africa and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have since decided to suspend the series – and eventually reschedule.

‘CSA an the BCCI have agreed to postpone the balance of the current ODI tour of India due to the coronavrius outbreak,’ read a statement from CSA.

‘Both acting chief executive officer, doctor Jacques Faul and interim director of cricket, Graeme Smith have personally been in contact with the BCCI and have expressed their gratitude for their understanding and cooperation in arriving at this very responsible decision.

The two countries will now work together to find an appropriate window in the international cricket calendar for the three-match ODI series. The Proteas are currently preparing for their return to South Africa.’

Several global sporting events, including cricket’s Everest Premier League in Nepal, the T20I series between the Asia XI and World XI in Bangladesh and the Australian Women’s tour of South Africa, have been cancelled or postponed due to the spread of the virus.

‘Our view is that this decision is both necessary and a precaution that had to be taken in the interest of cricket and the sustainability of the game. We are monitoring the situation with the virus and are in constant consultation with medical and virology experts. We will apply our minds to the input of experts and act in a way that reflects our duty of caring for our players,’ added Faul.

‘We are currently doing a full risk assessment on the influence of the virus on our operations, including the current domestic season.’

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