South Africa have withdrawn their participation from touring Pakistan for the proposed three-match T20I series in March, citing the reason as extreme workload.
South Africa, who still have two T20Is left in their ongoing England series, host Australia for three T20Is and as many ODIs from February 21, and the series stretches till March 7. Less than a week after the Aussies’ visit, the Proteas travel to India for a three-match ODI tour.
As for Pakistan, their cricket board intended the South African players to stay in Dubai following the conclusion of India tour until the final of the Pakistan Super League (March 22). The plan then was to fly the team directly to Islamabad for a three-match T20 series in Rawalpindi.
However, with a hectic work schedule coupled with the beginning of the Indian T20 League on March 29, the South African Cricket Board decided to postpone the tour. The dates haven’t been announced, but it is said that the boards will find a suitable window soon.
South Africa’s tour to Pakistan grabbed its fair share of headline by the time it was announced. Reports had it that Cricket South Africa (CSA) were to send a security expert to Pakistan to analyze security arrangements.
"The tour of South Africa is very much a waiting game now and by the end of the month we should have a clear position," Wasim Khan, PCB's CEO, said. "Their head of security is expected in Pakistan during the initial games of the Pakistan Super League. He has all the security plans for each of the different venues.”
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Rodger Bosch
