South Africa call off tour to Pakistan: Here's why
In what can be considered heart-breaking news for Pakistan cricket, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has called off the senior team's tour of Pakistan, scheduled next month. As South Africa were looking to become the second team to tour Pakistan this year, the board has decided against it, citing the players' workload as an issue. Here are further details on this.
Logistical challenges a factor behind tour cancellation
As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, there were logistical issues being faced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in order to arrange the tour by South Africa. While security was not a concern, CSA was still planning on sending a security delegation to the nation, during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to assess and monitor the security situation and arrangements.
Proteas were supposed to tour Pakistan following India ODIs
The Proteas are currently scheduled to travel to India to play three ODIs from March 12. With the ODIs ending on March 18, they were scheduled to stay in Dubai until March 22, which would conclude the PSL by then, following which, they would have been traveling to Islamabad directly. They were supposed to play three T20Is in Rawalpindi.
Proteas currently playing England at home
Currently, the Proteas are playing England at home. While they lost the Tests, the ODI series was drawn, as they are battling it out in the T20Is. With the T20Is ending on February 16, Australia would visit them for a limited-overs tour from February 21. Australia will be vying for both T20Is and ODIs against SA.
Pakistan dominated the scenes against Bangladesh
As far as the situation in Pakistan is concerned, things are smooth, with Bangladesh touring the nation. The sides have successfully played three T20Is, won by the hosts. Meanwhile, the opening Test in Rawalpindi happened without any interruptions, with Pakistan standing tall once again. While the players would be involved in the PSL now, the tour would continue thereafter and end on April 3.
International cricket making return to Pakistan
In case one remembers, it was during the 2009 Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, where the visitors were involved in a terror attack. Following the incident, international cricket had come to a standstill in the nation, with Pakistan playing their home matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, it was since 2015, when teams have slowly returned for the same.
