South Africa’s scheduled three-match T20 series against Pakistan is reportedly under grey clouds due to logistical problems faced by the South African Cricket Board (CSA) amid COVID-19 restrictions.
The CSA had to arrange a charter flight to fly the 21-member Test squad to Pakistan after routine commercial flights were canceled from the country due to the second wave of the COVID-19. The restrictions could further complicate the team’s plans for a T20I series as almost an entirely different squad will have to be sent to Pakistan if the series goes as scheduled. ------------------------------
According to initial plans, Protease cricketers were scheduled to travel to Dubai in groups from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban before landing in Karachi. However, after restrictions, the players flew directly to Karachi via a charter flight.
An official of the CSA told AFP on the condition of anonymity that the board is facing a major financial and logistical hurdle in sending a T20I squad to Pakistan ahead of the series. ------------------------------
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The crisis-ridden board will also have to arrange another charter flight for the returning Test squad to prepare for a planned series against Australia.
The Test series against Pakistan ends on February 8 with the T20I series scheduled between 11 and 15 February. The home series against Australia starts early in March, two weeks later than the original schedule. However, the players will be required to return early due to the COVID-19 protocols.
Source: link