The Board of Control of Cricket (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced the schedule for Team India’s upcoming tour to South Africa in December-January. This tour holds great significance as it marks India’s first assignment after the ICC World Cup 2023. The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series, and will culminate with the Freedom Series for the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy, which includes two Tests, according to the BCCI.
“The Freedom Series is not only important because it features two top-notch Test teams, but also because it pays tribute to the extraordinary legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, two iconic leaders who shaped our nations and the world. The Boxing Day Test and the New Year Test are highly anticipated fixtures in the international cricket calendar, and the schedule has been specifically designed around these marquee dates. India has always enjoyed strong support in South Africa, and I have no doubt that fans will witness captivating contests filled with intensity,” stated BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
Here is the full schedule of Team India’s South Africa tour:
The series consists of three T20Is scheduled for December 10 in Durban, December 12 in Gqeberha, and December 14 in Johannesburg. The first ODI will take place in Johannesburg on December 17, followed by the second on December 19 in Gqeberha, and the third on December 21 in Paarl.
Currently, India is engaged in a Test series against the West Indies in Dominica, and after that, their next assignment will be the two-match Gandhi-Mandela Test series. This series will be a crucial test for India during the World Test Championship cycle 2023-25.
“I am eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Indian Cricket Team and their passionate fans on our shores. This is a significant tour for both teams, and I am delighted that we will witness a full tour encompassing all three formats of the game. Both South Africa and India possess exceptional talent, and we can expect exciting cricket and thrilling matches. The tour also provides us with an opportunity to showcase the best of South Africa, and we have spread out the matches across the country. We share an excellent rapport with the BCCI, and I extend my gratitude to them for their constant support,” said Lawson Naidoo, CSA Chairperson.