D. Africa's Foreign Ministry guarantees Team India is not in danger from the 'Omicron' variant

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa has said that a complete bio-secure environment (bio-bubble) will be created for the Indian cricket team to arrive here next month to play the series. The ministry also praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not withdrawing from the 'A' team tour despite getting a new variant of Kovid-19. India A will play the second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bloemfontein from Tuesday. The Indian board has decided to continue the series in South Africa despite global concerns over the new Omicron variant.

The Indian senior team will also play three Tests in South Africa from December 17, followed by an ODI series and four T20Is. Virat Kohli and his team will reach here on December 9, but there are some concerns about the tour after the Omicron variant of Kovid has been found in the country. After the introduction of this new variant, many countries have imposed travel restrictions. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Durco), which is the country's foreign ministry, said, "South Africa will take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of the Indian team." Apart from South Africa and India 'A' teams, a completely bio-secure environment will be created for both the national teams.

"India's decision to show solidarity by continuing the India 'A' team tour is in contrast to several countries which have decided to close their borders and limit travel from South Africa," the ministry said. Said that the South African government appreciates the BCCI for continuing the tour. The first Test between India and South Africa will be played in Johannesburg, while the second Test will be held at Centurion from December 26. Three matches will be played in Cape Town from January 3. "The tour of the Indian national team will also mark the 30th anniversary of South Africa's return to international cricket," the ministry said.

India became the first country to host the country's international team in 1991 after the South African team was banned from international cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1970 due to the apartheid policies of the South African government. "The anniversary will be celebrated with a felicitation ceremony, which will be held in Cape Town on January 2, 2022," the ministry said in a statement. The event will also showcase the strong relationship between South Africa and India, which is once again depicted by the two Indian team tours.