Cricket Australia's decision to postpone its upcoming tour of South Africa has not been taken well by the South African board, who slammed the decision in a statement.<\/p>\n
Australia's decision to opt against a tour was confirmed on Tuesday evening, with Interim CA boss Nick Hockley saying that health experts had warned players could be exposed to "unacceptable" health and safety risks.<\/p>\n
If the Australians were expecting a sympathetic response from South Africa, it was not forthcoming in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement which noted the board's "immense disappointment".<\/p>\n
"We are extremely disappointed by the decision of CA," Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, said in the statement. "CSA has been working tirelessly in recent weeks to ensure that we meet every single expectation of CA.<\/p>\n
"This was set to be the longest tour in a (bio-secure environment) comprising a three-match Test series that was scheduled to begin with Australia's arrival later in the month. So to be informed about the CA decision at the eleventh hour is frustrating."<\/p>\n
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CSA was left frustrated at Australia's decision due to implementing a number of strict protocols to ensure the safety of the touring party. <\/p>\n
Despite being the host nation, South Africa had agreed to enter into a bio-secure bubble for 14 days in the lead-up to Australia's arrival, while also granting the tourists full and exclusive use of a hotel where all staff, match officials and bus drivers were also required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period.<\/p>\n
"The protocols we had proposed to CA were unprecedented," CSA's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, said in the statement.<\/p>\n
"CSA had also committed to importing an Australian tracking system at great cost to ensure proper tracking of close contacts in the event of a positive test. <\/p>\n
"The touring team was also going to be granted VIP access through the airports, after government intervention to ensure this privilege.<\/p>\n
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"These are just some of the protocols that CSA was to put in place. We had really gone the extra mile to make sure that the tour would proceed."<\/p>\n
Australia's decision to postpone the tour is a major financial blow for South African cricket, and acting CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki also expressed his disappointment.<\/p>\n
"It is indeed sad that after all the engagements and effort made to ensure a secure visit by our Australian counterparts, the tour has been derailed," he said.<\/p>\n
"CSA has incurred significant costs related to the planning stages and the cancellation of the tour represents a serious financial loss.<\/p>\n
"In this challenging period for cricket and its member countries, we believe the stance taken by CA is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations."<\/p>\n