South Africa has a jam-packed schedule ahead in 2021. The Proteas are set to tour West Indies for two Test matches and five T20Is, which will mark the start of their preparation for the T20 World Cup set to take place in India later this year. 

After the five T20Is in the Caribbean, the white-ball players will then travel directly to Ireland for a previously-announced tour in July followed by white-ball tours to Sri Lanka and India, leading into the T20 World Cup. 

CSA director of cricket, Graeme Smith while confirming the above-mentioned tours said that the tour of India in September could clash with a possible resumption of the IPL 2021. 

Graeme Smith appreciates BCCI, ECB’s support for Cricket South Africa after strain relations with CA

"With what's happening in India with Covid and the IPL, we need to give the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) time to gather their thoughts. The challenges India is facing as a country are immense," Graeme Smith said. 

Smith admitted that teams like West Indies have reaped the rewards of including freelancers but stopped short of confirming whether SA will follow suit.

Freelancers could include AB de Villiers if he comes out of international retirement, Imran Tahir, and Chris Morris, who are no longer contracted to be available for South Africa.

"We have seen the success the West Indies has had in bringing back free agents. But there are many factors involved, including team dynamics. Our focus has always been on trying to get our best squad together for an extended time," he said. 

Graeme Smith further lauded BCCI for handling that COVID-19 situation well by making sure players reach home safely. He added that all South African players and support staff involved in the tournament would be back by Friday (7th May). 

"The duty of care they have shown in getting everyone home has been exemplary. All of the South African players and coaching staff involved in the IPL 14 would be back in South Africa by Friday,” he concluded. 

(AFP inputs)