Johannesburg: In what would come as a massive setback for fans, as the report suggested that the first Test between India and South Africa beginning at Centurion on December 26 will be played without spectators because the host nation’s cricket board isn’t selling tickets given the rising COVID-19 variant Omicron fear.
Virat Kohli-led India has already started practicing at Centurion and had undergone quarantine in Mumbai before traveling to South Africa. According to the report, only some suite holders and a few members will be able to watch the match live. Though current COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the government allow for 2,000 fans, according to the nation’s weekly newspaper ‘Rapport’.
The organizers are, however, waiting to see if there are any changes to government regulations regarding COVID-19 next week.
As of now, no tickets are on sale for the second Test beginning at the Wanderers from January 3.
“Please note, no announcement has been made regarding ticket sales for the upcoming Test match at the #ImperialWanderers Stadium between South Africa and India,” the official Twitter account of the stadium said.
🎟 Announcement 🎟
Please note, no announcement has been made regarding ticket sales for the upcoming Test match at the #ImperialWanderers Stadium between 🇿🇦 and 🇮🇳.
At this point, it isn’t clear if fans will be allowed. We will make further announcements in due course. pic.twitter.com/bI11Y4zh7Z
— Imperial Wanderers Stadium (@WanderersZA) December 17, 2021
“At this point, it isn’t clear if fans will be allowed. We will make further announcements in due course.” the tweet further read.
The series is taking place amid the rising threat of COVID-19 following the emergence of the Omicron variant last month. The country has seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks. The tour itself was earlier in serious doubt because of the prevailing situation but the Boards of both the countries agreed to go ahead with it.
On Sunday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that the remaining round of the four-day series, the country’s premier domestic competition, has been postponed as a precautionary measure. This is India’s eighth tour to South Africa. It is one of the only places where India is yet to win a Test series. Kohli would be hopeful that his team creates history.
