India’s tour of South Africa to be scheduled over January and February

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk,SportsCafe Editor

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India and South Africa are close to agreeing on the proposed schedule that could see the Men in Blue play their first Test against the Proteas early in January next year. The new schedule, if confirmed, will see South Africa breaking away from their traditional start on the January 2nd holiday.

India are likely to see a full tour of South Africa at the start of next year with the first of a possible four Test matches to be scheduled on 5 or 6 January. After prolonged discussions concerning the duration of the tour amidst the terribly tight schedule of both the teams, things might finally have fallen into place.

According to ESPN Cricinfo website, Cricket South Africa communications manager, Altaaf Kazi has confirmed that the negotiations are in an advanced state, stating, "We are engaging with them and are planning for a full tour.”

However, the number of games are yet to be affirmed by both the boards. The original plan had suggested that India will play four Tests, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals in South Africa starting from December 26, which doesn’t look feasible given India’s home series against Sri Lanka ends just before Christmas.

India have expressed their interest to spending some time in South Africa, which includes playing the warm-up games before they kick off with the Test series. A late start to the series against India could also interrupt Proteas' series against Australia that is scheduled to start on March 1. All this commotion has even led to rumours stating that the India Test series may be reduced to three matches.

The turmoil could also lead Cricket South Africa to break away from their tradition yearly start on the January 2 holiday as India’s late arrival could see them delaying it by three or four days. However, CSA has confirmed that it will definitely not force them to break the 26 December Boxing Day Test, they are yet to name an opponent for it. 

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