Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday (December 20) announced that the upcoming Test and ODI series between South Africa and India will be played behind closed doors.

The decision has been taken keeping in mind the increasing COVID-19 cases around the world, and the fourth wave locally.

India and South Africa are due to square off in three Tests and ODIs each. The much-awaited series will kick-off with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion on December 26.

"This decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment," said CSA in an official release.

"At this stage, we would like to remind all cricket fans that the tour and the matches will still be broadcast on SuperSport and SABC platforms," it added.

In addition to this and as part of ongoing efforts to increase the reach of cricket, CSA is exploring other alternative public viewing activations which will ensure that a limited number of fans are able to enjoy the summer cricket atmosphere with other fans via activation sites, while still observing the strictest safety measures and exercising duty of care.

CSA will announce the available alternative public viewing activations as soon as the relevant approvals have been secured.

Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer said, "We acknowledge the interest expressed by the fans and other stakeholders on being able to return to stadiums and want to assure all cricket fans that this decision was not taken lightly, but was instead taken in the best interest of the game and in the interest of the health and safety of all patrons."

"Consequently, we urge all sport lovers to exercise absolute care, during these extraordinary times. I also wish to take this time to urge all South Africans to continue spreading the positive messages of VACCINATION, VACCINATION AND VACCINATION, because this is the only way that we can truly get our country back into its high economic activity, which will assist the government to open up the economy and all its forms of economic activity, including allowing greater numbers of fans back into stadiums," he added.

(With CSA inputs)