Cricket South Africa (CSA) has finally reacted on the termination of the ODI series against England earlier this week. The interim board chaired by Judge Zak Yacoob went on to say England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued no clarification over calling off the ODI series.
The first ODI was abandoned after two members of South African team had tested positive for the coronavirus. A few days later, some members of the team hotel also tested positive for the virus, forcing the abandonment of the second ODI.
Subsequently, both the boards announced calling off the ODI series without a ball being bowled after two England players also tested positive for COVID-19. CSA even admitted that the bio-bubble might be faulty resulting in the surfacing of COVID-19 cases.
He even went on to say that the three cricketing board giants BCCI, Cricket Australia and the ECB – act as “laws unto themselves”.
“What I want to negate is an idea that our provision of services was substandard and that there is any justification for the English saying they did not want to participate and go home,” Judge Yacoob said.
“The facts are that ultimately, they were negative. We have gone into or protocols and we think that our protocols have been very good.
“There may have been an issue of psychological troubles. People may have felt nervous about false positives. Our position is that we do not wish to blame the English, but we wish to say absolutely and completely that any notion that they went away because it was in any way our fault, is completely wrong”
When the ODI series was called off, both the cricket boards had jointly issued a statement stating that it was a mutual decision that was taken “to ensure the mental and physical health and welfare of players from both teams”.
During his interaction in a virtual press conference, Zak Yakoob also revealed that Sri Lanka will be touring South Africa for the two-match Test series starting December 26.
South Africa is currently due to host Sri Lanka for two-match Test series scheduled to begin December 26. Sri Lankan contingent will depart for South Africa after the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League on December 16.
