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Cricket AustraliaThe decision to postpone his next tour of South Africa was not well taken by the South African council, which criticized the decision in a statement.
Australia’s decision to oppose a tour was confirmed on Tuesday evening, with interim CA boss Nick Hockley saying health experts had warned players could be exposed to “unacceptable” health and safety risks.
MORE: Mark Taylor outlines ‘major concerns’ about South Africa tour
While Australians expected a sympathetic response from South Africa, it did not manifest itself in a statement from Cricket South Africa (CSA) which noted the council’s “immense disappointment”.
“We are extremely disappointed with CA’s decision,” Cricket manager Graeme Smith said in the statement. “The CSA has worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure that we meet all of CA’s expectations.
“This tour was to be the longest in a (bio-secure environment) including a three-match test series that was to begin with the arrival of Australia later in the month. So be informed of the decision of the ‘AC at the eleventh hour is frustrating. “
The CSA was frustrated with Australia’s decision due to the implementation of a number of strict protocols to ensure the safety of the touring party.
Despite being the host country, South Africa had agreed to enter a bio-secure bubble for 14 days prior to Australia’s arrival, while still granting tourists full and exclusive use of a hotel where all staff, match officials and bus drivers also had to undergo a 14-day quarantine period.
“The protocols we offered to CA were unprecedented,” ASC chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra said in the statement.
“The CSA was also committed to importing an Australian tracking system at a high cost to ensure adequate follow-up of close contacts in the event of a positive test.
“The tour team would also be granted VIP access via the airports, after the government intervened to guarantee this privilege.
“These are just a few of the protocols CSA had to put in place. We really went the extra mile to make sure the tour went smoothly.”
Australia’s decision to postpone the tour is a major financial blow to South African cricket, and interim CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki has also expressed his disappointment.
“It is indeed sad that after all the commitment and effort put into ensuring a safe visit from our Australian counterparts, the tour has derailed,” he said.
“The CSA incurred significant costs related to the planning stages and the cancellation of the tour represents a serious financial loss.
“In this difficult time for cricket and its member countries, we believe that the position taken by CA is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy nations that play cricket.”
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