South Africa's foreign ministry has promised that a "full bio-secure environment" will be formulated for the Indian cricket team when it arrives in the country for the much-awaited bilateral series next month.
The foreign ministry also appreciated BCCI for not pulling out its 'A' team despite the new strain of COVID-19 causing panic in South Africa and other parts of the world.
A new variant of the coronavirus, called B.1.1.529, has been identified in South Africa and the World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared it to be "of concern", naming it the "Omicron variant."
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India ‘A’ are currently on the tour of South Africa to play three unofficial Tests while the Indian senior men’s team is due to travel to the rainbow nation for three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is next month.
"South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full Bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian 'A' Teams as well as the two National Teams," the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which is the country's foreign ministry, stated.
"India's decision to show solidarity by choosing to continue with the tour of the Indian 'A' Team stands in contrast with a number of countries who have decided to close their borders and to restrict travel from Southern African...," it added.
The first four-day Test between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’ ended in a draw in Bloemfontein as rain played spoilsport on the final day. The remaining two unofficial Tests will also be held in Bloemfontein. While the second match will be played from November 29 to December 2, the third game will start on December 6.
The ministry said that the South African government has expressed its gratitude to the BCCI for allowing the tour to continue and "for not letting travel restrictions negatively impact on international sports."
Indian senior men’s team tour is slated to be held from December 17 to January 26 while the touring party is due to land in South Africa by December 9.
"The tour of the Indian National Team marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's readmission to international cricket."
In 1991, India was the first country to host a South African team after the country was banned from international cricket in 1970 due to the then South African government's apartheid policy.
"The anniversary will be celebrated by a commemorative event that will take place on January 2, 2022 in Cape Town. This event will also serve to highlight the strong ties between South Africa and India, which is once again demonstrated by the tour of the two Indian teams," the ministry statement read.
(With PTI inputs)
