Cricket South Africa (CSA) has decided that it would not send its women’s team for the UK tour, which was initially scheduled in September 2020. CSA director Graeme Smith has expressed his disappointment regarding the latest development from South Africa’s women’s cricket.
The decision was made in the wake of air travel restriction imposed in South Africa due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
Earlier, England was slated to host South Africa for a five-match women’s ODI series, followed by a two-match T20I series. The matches were planned after the fallout of the tri-series, featuring India.
“It is frustrating that another opportunity for our Momentum Proteas to play against top-quality opposition has again had to be cancelled but as always the safety of our players and support staff is the prime consideration,” Smith was quoted as saying by Espncricinfo.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Managing Director of women’s cricket, Clare Connors, has also expressed her frustration regarding the matter.
It was reported that the women’s team resumed training in Derby a few weeks back, looking at the schedule ahead. Although, Connors still hopes to arrange a few matches, hosting the West Indies women’s team.
‘We have been committed from the outset to deliver the same bio-secure standards for both men’s and women’s international cricket, an investment that included exclusive hotel use for teams, chartered flights and medical provisions. An ECB team, with support from the Incora County Ground, Derby, has created a dedicated behind closed doors environment to host all of our women’s internationals,” Connor said.
“Women’s and girls’ cricket is a huge part of the ECB strategy and despite the devastating impact of COVID-19, this ambition has not waned. We continue to explore all options to see England Women play competitively this summer,” she added.
Earlier, Smith remained optimistic about the progression of women’s cricket post-pandemic scenario.
“We’ve been engaging with the ECB for a period of time now for this women’s tour. It’s something we would love to get done. I must commend the ECB on the money they are investing in trying to get our ladies over there, looking to charter planes and then putting them into bio-bubbles. That’s are great sign for the women’s game. We want to get our women to the forefront. We are working with government to open up and see if we can get some travel going even on a private charter,” Smith had said earlier.
