Plans for South Africa cricket return shelved

File: A brief statement released by Cricket South Africa on behalf of the partners of the planned three-team cricket match said one of the aspects to be resolved was government permission for the game to be played during the COVID-19 pandemic

JOHANNESBURG, AFP: The return of live cricket in South Africa was postponed on Saturday with the organisers acknowledging that more work was needed to prepare for the event planned for 27 June. A brief statement released by Cricket South Africa on behalf of the partners of the planned three-team cricket match said one of the aspects to be resolved was government permission for the game to be played during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It emerged on Friday that the government had not yet approved a plan for the eight-a-side match, due to be played in Centurion without spectators, which will involve the players and support staff in undergoing COVID-19 tests and being in isolation.

The statement said a new date would be announced “in due course”.