Team India have quite a few cricketing assignments lined-up in the near future. Soon after the conclusion of the New Zealand Tests at home, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to travel to South Africa for an all-format tour. However, there are now dark clouds over the SA tour due to the Omicron threat. The new Covid variant has cast its spell worldwide as there is panic and uncertainty. Hence, travel restrictions might be imposed once again on a large scale globally.

Talking about the SA tour, BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are constantly in touch and are continuously monitoring the situation. While both the boards had expressed their confidence of the tour to go on as per schedule, there are reports that it might be postponed by a week.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-tour-of-south-africa-on-as-of-now-we-have-time-to-decide-reveals-bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-433237">India’s tour of South Africa on as of now, we have time to decide, reveals BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly</a>

A BCCI official, on Thursday (December 2), confirmed to ANI that both boards are in constant touch and soon a decision will be taken keeping the safety of players in mind.

"We are discussing to push back the series by a week due to the threat of Omicron COVID variant and we are awaiting the Indian government nod, both boards are in constant touch and everything is being discussed. The health and safety of our players is of utmost importance," the senior official told ANI.&nbsp;

Earlier, Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports had made it clear that the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI need to consult the Indian government before sending the national side to the rainbow nation, where a new COVID-19 variant has already emerged.

"Not only BCCI, but every board should also consult the Indian government before sending the team to a country where a new COVID-19 variant has emerged. It is not right to send the team to a country where there is a threat, if BCCI consults us we will deliberate on that," Thakur had told ANI.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-awaits-governments-approval-for-sa-tour-amid-omicron-scare-series-might-be-rescheduled-report-433158">BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report</a>

For the unverved, Kohli-led India's&nbsp;tour of South Africa is scheduled to&nbsp;commence on December 17. The tour comprises three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is. India's last visit to South Africa was in early 2018 where they lost the Tests but won the limited-overs series.

The final decision regarding the tour will be out soon.

Team India have quite a few cricketing assignments lined-up in the near future. Soon after the conclusion of the New Zealand Tests at home, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to travel to South Africa for an all-format tour.

Team India have quite a few cricketing assignments lined-up in the near future. Soon after the conclusion of the New Zealand Tests at home, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to travel to South Africa for an all-format tour. However, there are now dark clouds over the SA tour due to the Omicron threat. The new Covid variant has cast its spell worldwide as there is panic and uncertainty. Hence, travel restrictions might be imposed once again on a large scale globally. Talking about the SA tour, BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are constantly in touch and are continuously monitoring the situation. While both the boards had expressed their confidence of the tour to go on as per schedule, there are reports that it might be postponed by a week. ALSO READ | India’s tour of South Africa on as of now, we have time to decide, reveals BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly A BCCI official, on Thursday (December 2), confirmed to ANI that both boards are in constant touch and soon a decision will be taken keeping the safety of players in mind. "We are discussing to push back the series by a week due to the threat of Omicron COVID variant and we are awaiting the Indian government nod, both boards are in constant touch and everything is being discussed. The health and safety of our players is of utmost importance," the senior official told ANI. Earlier, Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports had made it clear that the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI need to consult the Indian government before sending the national side to the rainbow nation, where a new COVID-19 variant has already emerged. "Not only BCCI, but every board should also consult the Indian government before sending the team to a country where a new COVID-19 variant has emerged. It is not right to send the team to a country where there is a threat, if BCCI consults us we will deliberate on that," Thakur had told ANI. ALSO READ | BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report For the unverved, Kohli-led India's tour of South Africa is scheduled to commence on December 17. The tour comprises three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is. India's last visit to South Africa was in early 2018 where they lost the Tests but won the limited-overs series. The final decision regarding the tour will be out soon.

India tour of SA under dark clouds amid Omicron scare, likely to be pushed back by a week : Report

The world is once again under Covid-10 threat. While the pandemic was still far from over, the new Covid variant -- named Omicron -- has once again caused panic worldwide. The normalcy which was restored in many parts might again be curtailed as the threat from the new variant is being closely monitored.

Hence, it might also affect India's tour of South Africa, which is set to commence from December 17. Plenty of cricketing action has already been severely impacted due to the Omicron threat. Thus, Team India's forthcoming tour to the African nation, which has already reported Covid cases due to the Omicron variant, might also be rescheduled. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the tour is on as of now.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-awaits-governments-approval-for-sa-tour-amid-omicron-scare-series-might-be-rescheduled-report-433158">BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report</a>

"The tour is on as things stand till now. We still have time to decide. The first Test is scheduled for December 17. We will ponder about it," Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.' He added, "Players' security and health has always been BCCI's first priority, we will do everything possible for this. We will see what happens in the days to come."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports-schedules-go-haywire-due-to-omicron-covid-variant-whats-cancelled-whats-postponed-432560#icc-womens-world-cup-qualifier-called-off-432555">Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed</a>

For the unversed, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to leave for South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home. As per the schedule, they will play three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is in the rainbow nation, from December 17-January 26.

India's last tour of SA had taken place in early 2018, when they had played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.

The world is once again under Covid-10 threat. While the pandemic was still far from over, the new Covid variant -- named Omicron -- has once again caused panic worldwide.

The world is once again under Covid-10 threat. While the pandemic was still far from over, the new Covid variant -- named Omicron -- has once again caused panic worldwide. The normalcy which was restored in many parts might again be curtailed as the threat from the new variant is being closely monitored. Hence, it might also affect India's tour of South Africa, which is set to commence from December 17. Plenty of cricketing action has already been severely impacted due to the Omicron threat. Thus, Team India's forthcoming tour to the African nation, which has already reported Covid cases due to the Omicron variant, might also be rescheduled. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the tour is on as of now. ALSO READ | BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report "The tour is on as things stand till now. We still have time to decide. The first Test is scheduled for December 17. We will ponder about it," Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.' He added, "Players' security and health has always been BCCI's first priority, we will do everything possible for this. We will see what happens in the days to come." ALSO READ | Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed For the unversed, Virat Kohli-led India are scheduled to leave for South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home. As per the schedule, they will play three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is in the rainbow nation, from December 17-January 26. India's last tour of SA had taken place in early 2018, when they had played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.

India’s tour of South Africa on as of now, we have time to decide, reveals BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly

The Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the national selection committee's meeting on hold with regard to India's upcoming tour of South Africa. This was been done due to the threat posed by the new Covid variant, named the&nbsp;'Omicron' in the African nation which is being closely monitored. With uncertainty looming large with respect to the travel restrictions worldwide, the BCCI has decided that it is wise to delay the announcement of the Indian squad for the upcoming tour.&nbsp;

According to a&nbsp;TOI report,&nbsp;BCCI is awaiting an approval from the Indian government before sending the team to the African country. Following the emergence of&nbsp;the new variant, South Africa has been named as an 'At-risk' country. Hence, while the situation might not have gone out of hand as yet, it is now a wait-and-watch scenario with regard&nbsp;to the SA tour.

As per&nbsp;the original schedule, Virat Kohli-led Team India are scheduled to board the flight to&nbsp;South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the second Test versus&nbsp;New Zealand in Mumbai, which is slated to end by December 7. However, the new Covid variant has put everything on hold. Thus, it remains to be seen if the BCCI will stick to the original schedule or tweak it a bit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-indias-tour-of-sa-go-ahead-amid-omicron-scare-bcci-and-csa-in-touch-monitoring-situation-closely-432980">Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely</a>

For the unversed, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah -- who have been rested for the ongoing NZ Tests -- were initially asked to enter a mandatory quarantine in Mumbai from December 3. However, as per reports, they are yet to receive a clear itinerary. Hence, the confusion prevails.&nbsp;

TOI also reports that the series might also be rescheduled in the given scenario. "Until the players get a reply from the BCCI, confusion will prevail because nobody knows anything. But if you look at the statement that's been released by a ministerial department of the government of South Africa, it emphasizes on the security process and thanks BCCI for the deep relationship the two countries have shared. That's their way of saying, 'come and we'll take care'. The ball is now in BCCI's court," sources privy to developments told TOI.

India's last tour of SA was held in early 2018, when Kohli &amp; Co. played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is in the rainbow nation. Back then, India had lost the Tests 1-2 but won the ODIs and T20Is convincingly.

For now, it remains to be seen what will be the final decision regarding their forthcoming tour of SA amid the Omicron threat.

The Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the national selection committee's meeting on hold with regard to India's upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the national selection committee's meeting on hold with regard to India's upcoming tour of South Africa. This was been done due to the threat posed by the new Covid variant, named the 'Omicron' in the African nation which is being closely monitored. With uncertainty looming large with respect to the travel restrictions worldwide, the BCCI has decided that it is wise to delay the announcement of the Indian squad for the upcoming tour. According to a TOI report, BCCI is awaiting an approval from the Indian government before sending the team to the African country. Following the emergence of the new variant, South Africa has been named as an 'At-risk' country. Hence, while the situation might not have gone out of hand as yet, it is now a wait-and-watch scenario with regard to the SA tour. As per the original schedule, Virat Kohli-led Team India are scheduled to board the flight to South Africa immediately after the conclusion of the second Test versus New Zealand in Mumbai, which is slated to end by December 7. However, the new Covid variant has put everything on hold. Thus, it remains to be seen if the BCCI will stick to the original schedule or tweak it a bit. ALSO READ | Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely For the unversed, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah -- who have been rested for the ongoing NZ Tests -- were initially asked to enter a mandatory quarantine in Mumbai from December 3. However, as per reports, they are yet to receive a clear itinerary. Hence, the confusion prevails. TOI also reports that the series might also be rescheduled in the given scenario. "Until the players get a reply from the BCCI, confusion will prevail because nobody knows anything. But if you look at the statement that's been released by a ministerial department of the government of South Africa, it emphasizes on the security process and thanks BCCI for the deep relationship the two countries have shared. That's their way of saying, 'come and we'll take care'. The ball is now in BCCI's court," sources privy to developments told TOI. India's last tour of SA was held in early 2018, when Kohli & Co. played three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is in the rainbow nation. Back then, India had lost the Tests 1-2 but won the ODIs and T20Is convincingly. For now, it remains to be seen what will be the final decision regarding their forthcoming tour of SA amid the Omicron threat.

BCCI awaits government's approval for SA tour amid Omicron scare, series might be rescheduled: Report

South Africa's foreign ministry has said that a "full bio-secure environment" will be created for the Indian cricket team when it lands here for a highly-anticipated series next month and lauded the BCCI for not pulling out its 'A' team despite the panic caused by the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant.

India A will start their second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, staying put in the country despite the global trepidation that has followed the Omicron variant's discovery.

The Indian senior team will compete in three Tests starting December 17, followed by as many ODIs and four T20 Internationals.

Virat Kohli and his men are scheduled to land here by December 9 but there have been some concerns about the tour due to the Omicron variant's discovery in the region which has led to travel restrictions by several countries.

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"South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full Bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian 'A' Teams as well as the two National Teams," the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which is the country's foreign ministry, stated.

"India's decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian 'A' Team stands in contrast with a number of countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from Southern African...," it added.

The ministry said that the South African government has expressed its appreciation to the BCCI for allowing the tour to continue and "for not letting travel restrictions negatively impact on international sports."

The first India-South Africa Test will be played at Johannesburg, followed by the second match at Centurion (December 26) and the third match at Cape Town (January 3).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-indias-tour-of-sa-go-ahead-amid-omicron-scare-bcci-and-csa-in-touch-monitoring-situation-closely-432980">Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely</a>

"The tour of the Indian National Team marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's readmission to international cricket." 
In 1991, India had become the first country to host a South African team after the country was banned from international cricket in 1970 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the then South African government's apartheid policy.

"The anniversary will be celebrated by a commemorative event that will take place on January 2, 2022 in Cape Town. This event will also serve to highlight the strong ties between South Africa and India, which is once again demonstrated by the tour of the two Indian teams," the ministry statement read.

South Africa's foreign ministry has said that a "full bio-secure environment" will be created for the Indian cricket team when it lands here for a highly-anticipated series next month and lauded the BCCI for not pulling out its 'A' team despite the panic caused by the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant.

South Africa's foreign ministry has said that a "full bio-secure environment" will be created for the Indian cricket team when it lands here for a highly-anticipated series next month and lauded the BCCI for not pulling out its 'A' team despite the panic caused by the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant. India A will start their second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, staying put in the country despite the global trepidation that has followed the Omicron variant's discovery. The Indian senior team will compete in three Tests starting December 17, followed by as many ODIs and four T20 Internationals. Virat Kohli and his men are scheduled to land here by December 9 but there have been some concerns about the tour due to the Omicron variant's discovery in the region which has led to travel restrictions by several countries. ALSO READ: IND vs NZ: R Ashwin shares how Harbhajan's 2001 spell vs Australia inspired him to become a spinner "South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full Bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian 'A' Teams as well as the two National Teams," the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which is the country's foreign ministry, stated. "India's decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian 'A' Team stands in contrast with a number of countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from Southern African...," it added. The ministry said that the South African government has expressed its appreciation to the BCCI for allowing the tour to continue and "for not letting travel restrictions negatively impact on international sports." The first India-South Africa Test will be played at Johannesburg, followed by the second match at Centurion (December 26) and the third match at Cape Town (January 3). ALSO READ | Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely "The tour of the Indian National Team marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's readmission to international cricket." In 1991, India had become the first country to host a South African team after the country was banned from international cricket in 1970 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the then South African government's apartheid policy. "The anniversary will be celebrated by a commemorative event that will take place on January 2, 2022 in Cape Town. This event will also serve to highlight the strong ties between South Africa and India, which is once again demonstrated by the tour of the two Indian teams," the ministry statement read.

South Africa promises secure bio-bubble for India; lauds BCCI for continuing 'A' tour amid Omicron scare

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;

In this regard, with the fast spread&nbsp;of the Omicron&nbsp;(B.1.1.529)&nbsp;variant of the Coronavirus in the African countries, the adverse impact is already being felt as the Netherlands-South Africa series got abandoned in the African nation. In addition, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe has been cancelled. Hence, the onus has fallen on Team India's upcoming tour of South Africa, starting from mid-December.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli's Team India will travel to the African nation for an all-format tour, comprising three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is. Due to the threat of the new variant Omicron, there are talks that India's tour of SA might get affected, however, no such discussion has been held between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omicron-will-lead-to-challenges-for-the-winter-olympics-china-432950">Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China</a>

CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has revealed that the two boards are in discussion. Revealing their conversation with the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, Moseki has said that the Indian board remains committed and is keen to continue with the tour. On the other hand, CSA also remains positive that the tour will go on as scheduled unless the situation&nbsp;gets completely out of grasp.&nbsp;

In addition, the BCCI has stressed upon the fact that at the moment, there has been no advisory or travel ban from the Indian government with regards to touring South Africa. Hence, CSA is confident of making all the required bio-bubble arrangements for India's successful tour of SA.

As of now, the tour very much remains as per schedule. However, the final decision will be taken by both the boards in the coming days, depending on how the situation turns out globally in the near future. A final decision will be made after giving full consideration to players' safety and travel regulations.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-lauds-pm-modi-as-india-ready-to-help-african-nations-amid-omicron-scare-432914">Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare</a>

Team India is currently involved in a two-match Test versus WTC champions New Zealand at home. After the series ends, by December 7, the national side will get few days off before leaving for South Africa. At present, India's A team is involved in a two-match unofficial Test series versus SA A. The second Test got underway from Tuesday (November 30).

India tour of South Africa schedule:&nbsp;

First Test – Johannesburg (December 17-21)

Second Test – Centurion (December 26-30)

Third Test – Cape Town (January 3-7)

First ODI – Paarl (January 11)

Second ODI – Cape Town (January 14)

Third ODI – Cape Town (January 16)

First T20 International – Cape Town (January 19)

Second T20 International – Cape Town (January 21)

Third T20 International – Paarl (January 23)

Fourth T20 International – Paarl (January 26)

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

World cricket is now functioning at a good pace with plenty of action across the globe. However, cricketing series might again get affected due to the new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In this regard, with the fast spread of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Coronavirus in the African countries, the adverse impact is already being felt as the Netherlands-South Africa series got abandoned in the African nation. In addition, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe has been cancelled. Hence, the onus has fallen on Team India's upcoming tour of South Africa, starting from mid-December. For the unversed, Virat Kohli's Team India will travel to the African nation for an all-format tour, comprising three Tests, equal number of ODIs and four T20Is. Due to the threat of the new variant Omicron, there are talks that India's tour of SA might get affected, however, no such discussion has been held between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA). ALSO READ | Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has revealed that the two boards are in discussion. Revealing their conversation with the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, Moseki has said that the Indian board remains committed and is keen to continue with the tour. On the other hand, CSA also remains positive that the tour will go on as scheduled unless the situation gets completely out of grasp. In addition, the BCCI has stressed upon the fact that at the moment, there has been no advisory or travel ban from the Indian government with regards to touring South Africa. Hence, CSA is confident of making all the required bio-bubble arrangements for India's successful tour of SA. As of now, the tour very much remains as per schedule. However, the final decision will be taken by both the boards in the coming days, depending on how the situation turns out globally in the near future. A final decision will be made after giving full consideration to players' safety and travel regulations. ALSO READ | Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Modi as India ready to help African nations amid Omicron scare Team India is currently involved in a two-match Test versus WTC champions New Zealand at home. After the series ends, by December 7, the national side will get few days off before leaving for South Africa. At present, India's A team is involved in a two-match unofficial Test series versus SA A. The second Test got underway from Tuesday (November 30). India tour of South Africa schedule: First Test – Johannesburg (December 17-21) Second Test – Centurion (December 26-30) Third Test – Cape Town (January 3-7) First ODI – Paarl (January 11) Second ODI – Cape Town (January 14) Third ODI – Cape Town (January 16) First T20 International – Cape Town (January 19) Second T20 International – Cape Town (January 21) Third T20 International – Paarl (January 23) Fourth T20 International – Paarl (January 26)

Will India's tour of SA go ahead amid Omicron scare? BCCI and CSA in touch, monitoring situation closely

A new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in South Africa which is likely to wreak havoc across the country in the coming days. The scientists have said the new variant can have a high number of mutations which has got everyone concerned. The new COVID-19 variant can also lead to the suspension of all sporting events in South Africa in the coming weeks.

With all sports likely to shut down, Indian cricket team's tour of South Africa is also in jeopardy. Team India is scheduled to tour South Africa in December this year for a full-fledged tour consisting of three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20Is. However, the future of the tour now remains uncertain after the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.

The cases are majorly rising in the northern part of South Africa with Johannesburg and Pretoria - which are the venues for the India Test series - vulnerable to the spread of the new variant of COVID-19. The Netherlands cricket team which is currently in South Africa for their ODI series which gets underway on Friday (November 26) are likely to travel back amid new travel restrictions being imposed in the UK in the aftermath of the detection of the new variant.

While the first ODI between South Arica and Netherlands is going ahead as per schedule, a decision on the remainder of the tour will be taken soon. The India A team is also currently on their tour of South Africa for two unofficial Test matches.

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As per news agency PTI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) will wait for the ground report from Cricket South Africa before taking a call on the future of India's tour of the country which gets underway from December 17 with the first Test in Johannesburg.

Indian players are scheduled to leave for South Africa in the second week of Decemeber. However, the new COVID-19 variant might delay their travelling plans.

A new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in South Africa which is likely to wreak havoc across the country in the coming days. The scientists have said the new variant can have a high number of mutations which has got everyone concerned.

A new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in South Africa which is likely to wreak havoc across the country in the coming days. The scientists have said the new variant can have a high number of mutations which has got everyone concerned. The new COVID-19 variant can also lead to the suspension of all sporting events in South Africa in the coming weeks. With all sports likely to shut down, Indian cricket team's tour of South Africa is also in jeopardy. Team India is scheduled to tour South Africa in December this year for a full-fledged tour consisting of three Tests, as many ODIs and four T20Is. However, the future of the tour now remains uncertain after the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country. The cases are majorly rising in the northern part of South Africa with Johannesburg and Pretoria - which are the venues for the India Test series - vulnerable to the spread of the new variant of COVID-19. The Netherlands cricket team which is currently in South Africa for their ODI series which gets underway on Friday (November 26) are likely to travel back amid new travel restrictions being imposed in the UK in the aftermath of the detection of the new variant. While the first ODI between South Arica and Netherlands is going ahead as per schedule, a decision on the remainder of the tour will be taken soon. The India A team is also currently on their tour of South Africa for two unofficial Test matches. Also Read: IPL franchises miffed after BCCI bans deals with cryptocurrency exchanges As per news agency PTI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) will wait for the ground report from Cricket South Africa before taking a call on the future of India's tour of the country which gets underway from December 17 with the first Test in Johannesburg. Indian players are scheduled to leave for South Africa in the second week of Decemeber. However, the new COVID-19 variant might delay their travelling plans.

India's cricket tour in jeopardy as South Africa likely to suspend all sports due to new COVID-19 variant