The South African cricketing team will not be facing their Pakistan counterparts in a match anytime soon, as the board is concerned about pressuring the players into working too hard. The three-match T20 series between the two teams, which was scheduled for March, has been called off. However, a reschedule is on the cards, and the series will take place sometime in the near future.
South Africa is currently playing against England in a series at home, and will then host Australia for three T20I matches and three ODI matches before travelling India to play three ODI matches against them.
According to reports, the South African team was in talks with Pakistan to play three T20I matches with them after the conclusion of their India tour.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Wasim Khan said that
“managing player workload is a top priority.”
He further added:
“The PCB and Cricket South Africa are willing to reschedule the series.”
ESPN Cricinfo quoted Khan as saying,
“We are pleased that the CSA remains committed to rescheduling this short series as soon as practically possible. As there are a strong willingness and commitment, both the boards are now exploring their FTPs to find gaps so that we can agree on the dates.”
The acting chief executive of Cricket South Africa, Jacques Faul clarified that cancelling the T20I series with Pakistan has nothing in relation to the fears of security management in the country.
“This has purely been done because of the heavy workload and international schedule our players are facing in the immediate future,” he said.
“I have assured my counterpart at the PCB, Wasim Khan that the tour remains very much on our international schedule.
“I would also like to stress that security was not an issue in asking the PCB for this postponement. We will now work together to find an appropriate window in the international cricket calendar.”
