Cricket News: Implications for South Africa by pulling out from the January ODI series against Australia
The domestic T20 league in South Africa got prioritised over World Cup qualification by Proteas. South Africa has withdrawn from the one-day international series in Australia scheduled for January 2023. With visitors withdrawing, Australians will be rewarded ODI Super League points for the three matches
South Africa withdraws from ODI series against Australia scheduled for January 2023The decision to withdraw will make South Africa lose the series by 3-0, thus pushing them close to missing the qualification criteria for the 2023 World Cup in India. They are currently placed 11 with four wins. Only the top 8 teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, so the remaining five will compete with five associate teams in the qualifying tournament for the final two positions.
Proteas had to pull out because the dates of the ODI series conflicted with their new domestic T20 competition. Following this, they requested Cricket Australia to find alternative dates for the matches, but due to their jam-packed schedule, CA couldn't find appropriate dates, forcing them to shelve the series. However, only the ODI series stands canceled. Besides that, Proteas will still play three Tests against Australia, including Boxing Day and New Years' Test.
Pholetsi Moseki, CEO of Cricket South Africa, said: "The sustainability of our new T20 League is reliant on having all our domestic players available. It is disappointing that Cricket South Africa will be unable to contest the ODI series in January."
He added, "That said, we are delighted to be hosting South Africa for the three-Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests and with the comprehensive schedule of international cricket that will take place across Australia throughout the summer. This will include the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and a record six touring teams for the Men's and Women's international series as well as the twelfth season of the BBL and the eighth season of the WBBL. We can't wait to see fans back at the cricket this summer."
This withdrawal helped Australia by grabbing points for the three crucial matches and enabled Australian stars to play in Big Bash League. Australian best talents like Steven Smith had to miss BBL because of international commitments, but now their availability will give the tournament a much-needed boost.