CSA to institute ‘world-class’ biobubble for India tour

In a bid to ensure the money-spinning tour by India goes ahead later this month, Cricket SA (CSA) has reiterated that it can institute a biologically safe environment (BSE) of the highest standard.     

India are due to play three Tests, three ODIs and four T20s in SA, starting with the first Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on December 17 through to the fourth T20 match on January 26 at Boland Park in Paarl.

The discovery of the new Covid-19 variant in the country has left the marquee tour in doubt, but Cricket SA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki said the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India remains committed to it.

On Wednesday, CSA said over the past year or so the Proteas men’s team has taken part in eight international cricket tournaments in which biologically safe environments were used.

They include home tours against England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands and away tours to Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland, Sri Lanka and the ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

“Cricket SA has instituted world-class standards and measures to ensure all players, staff and officials are protected within this environment,” CSA chief medical officer  Shuaib Manjra said.

“Our main focus was to safeguard the cricket biosphere by managing strict entry standards and limited movement outside its cordon.”

Manjra emphasised that their biobubbles have met the highest standards set by national government, and CSA is continuously looking to ensure their management is second to none.

“What we have implemented at our BSE is a cordon sanitaire which offers full and continuous protection to all individuals who respect and abide by our very demanding guidelines and rules,” Manjra said.

“Playing cricket in a BSE was a massive challenge for everyone involved in the game,” said Proteas white-ball captain Temba Bavuma.

“Everything changed, from the length of our stays in hotels to how we train and play. We weren’t even allowed to high five or hug each other when we celebrated wickets. 

“Cricket SA has to be commended for the way they have gone about the BSEs.

“It hasn’t been an easy year for us all,” Bavuma said. “Being confined to a hotel room and being restricted from leaving the hotel and having the choice — in most places away from home — between your room and the team room and little access outside the hotel takes its toll, particularly for the all-format playing members of the team and management.

“I’m confident our BSEs are of the highest safety standards and the protocols are set with everyone’s physical wellbeing and mental health in mind.” 

Proteas Test captain Dean Elgar said: “It’s hard to believe we’ve been working in these BSE conditions for a year now, but anyone who has been affected, either directly or indirectly by the Covid-19 virus, knows this is a necessity if we want to continue playing cricket.

“It takes a toll on a player mentally and yet this team continues to produce good results and make progress. That’s something I don’t think is being spoken about enough.

“The measures put in place and the hotels chosen take into account the teams’ physical and mental health needs,” Elgar said. “We don’t know how much longer we’ll be operating like this, but it’s gratifying to know that when tours come around, the health and safety of all involved is top priority.”

CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo commended the resilience and fortitude of the Proteas.

“The Proteas have endured difficult BSE conditions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet their hunger to play the game and represent their country triumphed over all the discomfort. Cricket SA is proud to have athletes of this calibre, those who are readily prepared to put the sport first. We thank the Proteas for their exemplary zeal and appreciate their sacrifices.”