Tag : CSA

Johannesburg : Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday confirmed that the men's team will not be playing the ODI series against Australia in January 2023 in order to ensure "long term sustainability of new T20 League". The three ODIs against Australia were a part of the ICC World Cup Super League matches that determine direct qualification for the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup in India. The series was supposed to take place in 2020. But the Covid-19 pandemic forced its postponement. Now, with CSA confirming that the series won't take place means it is a major setback to their hopes of qualifying directly for the 50-over World Cup in India. South Africa are currently placed at 11th spot in the ICC World Cup Super League points table with 49 points and face the possibility of playing a qualification tournament to enter the World Cup. "As difficult as this decision has been for CSA, the long-term sustainability of our new T20 League is reliant on having all our domestic players available for this exciting new addition to the CSA calendar. CSA is looking forward to be hosted by Cricket Australia for an enticing blend of cricket in the three-Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests in Melbourne and Sydney," said Pholetsi Moseki, Chief Executive Officer, CSA in a statement. Moseki further remarked that it has no qualms with the Super League points being awarded to Australia. "CSA has agreed that ICC award Australia the competition points. While we are saddened at losing the crucial points, we are confident that our in-form Proteas team will garner the requisite points through the remaining games to secure automatic qualification to the showpiece event in India next year. "CSA is always keen on honouring its bi ...