The Pakistan tour to South Africa which was planned for late September-October 2020 has been postponed. The decision was announced after mutual consent of both the cricket boards.
According to information, the main reason of the delay was CSA-Cricket South Africa’s informing the Pakistan Cricket Board about its financial inability to host Pakistan series due to coronavirus pandemic. Thus, it was agreed by both boards to postpone the series and search for a new window for the series.
As per plan, Pakistan was to play three World Cup 50-50 qualifying round matches and three T20s ahead of the T20 World Cup which was postponed.
The three-match series in South Africa would have been the first attempt for Pakistan to directly qualify for the 2023 World Cup. After the postponement Pakistan will now try to directly qualify for the 2023 World Cup through the home series to be held against Zimbabwe.
The postponement development took place as a result of a statement of CSA’s Director Graeme Smith that South Africa due to Coronavirus cannot not be in a situation to host any cricket till November 2020.
CSA has already cancelled international tours to Sri Lanka and West Indies. This was despite West Indies being interested to host the series. Another main reason was as majority of the South African players are interested in participating in IPL-Indian Premier League.
Subject to the virus situation being better in South Africa, there is a strong possibility that the series could be held during February-March 2021. Besides Pakistan tour, South African is also scheduled to visit
Pakistan during 2020.
