Is there any chance of Pakistan and South Africa series later this year?

[Joggerman]

Opportunity to fill the India series void in December

As per reports, Sri Lanka's return tour to India in Nov-Dec later this year could impact India's series with South Africa. I believe its the perfect opportunity for PCB to cash in and arrange a short tour to SA. Plus since Ashes might not happen, a short series with Eng in UAE could be arranged in Dec-Jan or possibly a tri series with Eng SA. Opportunities are there for more cricket and to fill the gaps in calendar due to cancellation of India series, its just that the International Dept of PCB needs to wake up and be more proactive. I was watching a TV show where Haroon Rashid (Director Cricket Operations) was asked about lack of international cricket tours in next 12 months. He seemed to be pretty satisfied with the fact that we play only 4 tests in next 12 months and just 10 one dayers + Asia Cup. (Remember series with SL this year has been cut down to only 2 tests).

 

[Proactive_]

LOL, expected from the BCCI. Hope Team BCCI can arrange a one Test tour to SA sometime next year just so they can complete their token tour of tougher conditions for the year.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Indias tour to SA has probably been delayed/cancelled because SA launch their new T20 league in Nov-Dec

 

[Joggerman]

[MENTION=145164]Proactive_[/MENTION] 6 tests and 10 odis with SL in a space of 4-5 months, that is overkill. Moreover, everyone knows what the results are gonna be like. Massive hammering of SL expected. But for Pakistan, its a golden opportunity to arrange some cricket with SA, only if the board realizes though.

 

[Joggerman]

[MENTION=139765]Arham_PakFan[/MENTION]

At least a short series of 3 odis or 2 tests could be arranged by Pak in SA during that period. SA wouldnt mind some intl cricket after the cancellation of India Tour especially during Boxing Day.

 

[mak36]

The Ashes will go ahead so you can exclude England as a possibility.

A short tour to SA is possible although the Global League makes that unlikely. PCB should at least make enquiries- it would be a competitive series.

 

[Joggerman]

Yes exactly. All that I am trying to say is that our team needs cricket, so at least efforts to squeeze in a few fixtures can definitely be made. There are such huge gaps in our calendar till next year. Moreover, whats worrying is that the Pak SL series has been trimmed to 2 tests from 3.

 

[mak36]

ODIs would probably be easier to schedule.

Although tests would be good, it would be a pretty tough tour for the new additions to the test team.

 

[Talhah]

Why has test series with SL been reduced to 2 tests and not 3??

 

[Joggerman]

What I have heard is that the broadcaster wasnt too keen with 3 tests.

 

[Titan24]

As per reports, Sri Lanka's return tour to India in Nov-Dec later this year could impact India's series with South Africa. I believe its the perfect opportunity for PCB to cash in and arrange a short tour to SA. Plus since Ashes might not happen, a short series with Eng in UAE could be arranged in Dec-Jan or possibly a tri series with Eng SA. Opportunities are there for more cricket and to fill the gaps in calendar due to cancellation of India series, its just that the International Dept of PCB needs to wake up and be more proactive. I was watching a TV show where Haroon Rashid (Director Cricket Operations) was asked about lack of international cricket tours in next 12 months. He seemed to be pretty satisfied with the fact that we play only 4 tests in next 12 months and just 10 one dayers + Asia Cup. (Remember series with SL this year has been cut down to only 2 tests).

I guess we have a series in zimbabwe in Mar-Apr 2018 with two tests as well

 

[Joggerman]

I guess we have a series in zimbabwe in Mar-Apr 2018 with two tests as well

The Zimbabwe series is scheduled after the Eng series i.e. in August 2018 as per FTP

 

[Junaids]

The Zimbabwe series is scheduled after the Eng series i.e. in August 2018 as per FTP

Will probably happen en route to the full tour of South Africa in November 2018.

South Africa needs to host cricket either side of Christmas when kids and adults are on holiday. And Pakistan aren't due in New Zealand until around 10 January.

My suggestion would be for Pakistan to bring forward the tour of Zimbabwe to November 2017, and arrange something like this:

First Test in Zimbabwe 30 Nov to 4 Dec
Second Test in Zimbabwe 7 to 11 Dec
One Off Test in South Africa 15-19 Dec
First ODI in South Africa 26 Dec
Second ODI in South Africa 28 Dec
Third ODI in South Africa 30 Dec
One Off T20i in South Africa 1 Jan

 

[KevinFern]

India will play 4 test against South Africa for sure. Because South Africa played four test matches against India when they toured India last time. Matches are played in basis of reciprocity. Just that South Africa cantdecide on it self when India has to visit them. There has to be a mutual consensus on dates and schedules.

Another angle perhaps in this might be of Haroon Lorgat had tried to play hard ball with bcci at i and BCCI relation. He had even rubbed the CoA backed CEO Rahul Johri the wrong way during IPL. He tried to take advantage of BCCI's most weakest point in history. He withdrawed SA players from IPL earlier than he had first agreed to. He tried to blackmail BCCI and get Indian players released for Global T20 league they are trying to launch in lieu of SA players playing longer in IPL.

 

[Joggerman]

Will probably happen en route to the full tour of South Africa in November 2018.

South Africa needs to host cricket either side of Christmas when kids and adults are on holiday. And Pakistan aren't due in New Zealand until around 10 January.

My suggestion would be for Pakistan to bring forward the tour of Zimbabwe to November 2017, and arrange something like this:

First Test in Zimbabwe 30 Nov to 4 Dec
Second Test in Zimbabwe 7 to 11 Dec
One Off Test in South Africa 15-19 Dec
First ODI in South Africa 26 Dec
Second ODI in South Africa 28 Dec
Third ODI in South Africa 30 Dec
One Off T20i in South Africa 1 Jan

There you go. That would be just about perfect as Zimbabwe's calendar is also empty. Plus it would give the newcomers in our team to adapt to test cricket prior to a possible test against SA and then ENG series in May. But requires some quick thinking and efforts from PCB. I just hope against hope (As Rambo would say) that PCB take the initiative here.

 

[CanadianG00se]

India-SA series is just being delayed and not cancelled. CSA wants to host India for Boxing day test, where as BCCI says no Thank you, we will play you in January. Its all started during IPL as Haroon Lorgat tried to blackmail BCCI which is now backfiring.

I really hope series go ahead as planned no less than 4 test match.

 

[Hasan123]

We are playing South Africa in South Africa next year so don't see a point in playing them 2 years in a row. Not against at [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] idea of playing the Zimbabwe series earlier.

 

[mak36]

We are playing South Africa in South Africa next year so don't see a point in playing them 2 years in a row. Not against at [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] idea of playing the Zimbabwe series earlier.

That just opens up a window later on in the schedule, unless you would organise another series in August (in place of the currently scheduled Zimbabwe series)?

 

[Hasan123]

That just opens up a window later on in the schedule, unless you would organise another series in August (in place of the currently scheduled Zimbabwe series)?

Could look at playing Sri Lanka in that time period or even organise a series with Bangldesh if they are free in that period.

 

[aloo paratha]

Why has test series with SL been reduced to 2 tests and not 3??

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[Junaids]

India-SA series is just being delayed and not cancelled. CSA wants to host India for Boxing day test, where as BCCI says no Thank you, we will play you in January. Its all started during IPL as Haroon Lorgat tried to blackmail BCCI which is now backfiring.

I really hope series go ahead as planned no less than 4 test match.

Australia plays 3 Tests in South Africa from 1 March.

South Africa would only play 4 Tests v India if there were 2 in December and 2 in January, all during the holiday period (which is mid-Dec to mid-Jan).

If they let India slip back to February they won't have crowds or advertisers for either series.

 

[babajee]

Look. We need to play Ireland in tests as it will give our batsmen a chance to rack up some soft runs and give them confidence. It will help develop Shan masood into a quality opener for the future

 

[cricketjoshila]

India will play 4 test against South Africa for sure. Because South Africa played four test matches against India when they toured India last time. Matches are played in basis of reciprocity. Just that South Africa cantdecide on it self when India has to visit them. There has to be a mutual consensus on dates and schedules.

Another angle perhaps in this might be of Haroon Lorgat had tried to play hard ball with bcci at i and BCCI relation. He had even rubbed the CoA backed CEO Rahul Johri the wrong way during IPL. He tried to take advantage of BCCI's most weakest point in history. He withdrawed SA players from IPL earlier than he had first agreed to. He tried to blackmail BCCI and get Indian players released for Global T20 league they are trying to launch in lieu of SA players playing longer in IPL.

This plus he said that he will allow SA players to stay longer if India plays SA in december.India is originally scheduled to play SA in January. BCCI didnt even bother replying.

 

[Junaids]

India will play 4 test against South Africa for sure. Because South Africa played four test matches against India when they toured India last time. Matches are played in basis of reciprocity. Just that South Africa cantdecide on it self when India has to visit them. There has to be a mutual consensus on dates and schedules.

Another angle perhaps in this might be of Haroon Lorgat had tried to play hard ball with bcci at i and BCCI relation. He had even rubbed the CoA backed CEO Rahul Johri the wrong way during IPL. He tried to take advantage of BCCI's most weakest point in history. He withdrawed SA players from IPL earlier than he had first agreed to. He tried to blackmail BCCI and get Indian players released for Global T20 league they are trying to launch in lieu of SA players playing longer in IPL.

With respect, your post doesn't seem to grasp the South African requirements in this.

Firstly, it's normal that South African players in the IPL be recalled for national duty where schedules coincide. It would be equally unthinkable for Australia or England to field a sub-standard national team because they had foolishly released players for private leagues overseas. That's not an act of aggression against the BCCI.

Secondly, the South African season is a fixed event. Home internationals take place during the summer (December-January) school holidays, when children and adults are on holiday and can attend or watch on TV.

There are only two exceptions to this. Minnows can visit out of season, like New Zealand did eleven months ago. And because the Australian and South African home seasons are identical, Australian tours can slip back later - and next year the Australian tour commences on 22 February and ends with an Easter weekend Test at Johannesburg.

Thirdly, the Australia dates are fixed. People like me have already bought air fares and paid for hotels. India can't play in February-March because Australia are there.

Cricket South Africa cannot get away with just filling its pockets with Indian TV money regardless of the local impact. Last time India shortened the Test series at the eleventh hour, which meant that vendors in Cape Town lost their livelihoods. The government was enraged, and told Cricket South Africa that in future it had to lookafter the little guys.

Cricket South Africa has to schedule marquee international cricket when the public is free to watch it, between mid-December and mid-January.

If they roll over and schedule nothing then, but host India from mid-January to mid-February and make a huge profit on selling the TV rights in India, the government will crush Cricket South Africa. Everyone would not just see the empty grounds, they will know that the vendors are making no money.

And worse, there would be seething public discontent at the failure to schedule any cricket during the holidays in December-January.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Why has test series with SL been reduced to 2 tests and not 3??

If true, great news. Can't stand tests against SL.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Australia plays 3 Tests in South Africa from 1 March.

South Africa would only play 4 Tests v India if there were 2 in December and 2 in January, all during the holiday period (which is mid-Dec to mid-Jan).

If they let India slip back to February they won't have crowds or advertisers for either series.

I think 2 month window to host full series i.e 4 Test, 3-5 ODIs and 2 T20s might be enough. As far as crowd for the series, not sure if SA ever gets full house, and for advertisement, itwouldnt be a problem, as many Indian based companies sponsor Indian away games as well. Indian team is most marketable cricket team on planet.

 

[CanadianG00se]

With respect, your post doesn't seem to grasp the South African requirements in this.

Firstly, it's normal that South African players in the IPL be recalled for national duty where schedules coincide. It would be equally unthinkable for Australia or England to field a sub-standard national team because they had foolishly released players for private leagues overseas. That's not an act of aggression against the BCCI.

Secondly, the South African season is a fixed event. Home internationals take place during the summer (December-January) school holidays, when children and adults are on holiday and can attend or watch on TV.

There are only two exceptions to this. Minnows can visit out of season, like New Zealand did eleven months ago. And because the Australian and South African home seasons are identical, Australian tours can slip back later - and next year the Australian tour commences on 22 February and ends with an Easter weekend Test at Johannesburg.

Thirdly, the Australia dates are fixed. People like me have already bought air fares and paid for hotels. India can't play in February-March because Australia are there.

Cricket South Africa cannot get away with just filling its pockets with Indian TV money regardless of the local impact. Last time India shortened the Test series at the eleventh hour, which meant that vendors in Cape Town lost their livelihoods. The government was enraged, and told Cricket South Africa that in future it had to lookafter the little guys.

Cricket South Africa has to schedule marquee international cricket when the public is free to watch it, between mid-December and mid-January.

If they roll over and schedule nothing then, but host India from mid-January to mid-February and make a huge profit on selling the TV rights in India, the government will crush Cricket South Africa. Everyone would not just see the empty grounds, they will know that the vendors are making no money.

And worse, there would be seething public discontent at the failure to schedule any cricket during the holidays in December-January.

TBH, BCCI dont really care about CSA, nor local vendors or the fans. If Indian team were to play during the month of December, then we shall see the tour itneary being released by CSA in near future to clear out the doubts. But according to Indian media, BCCI are clear on not touring South Africa for boxing day test.

Do you happens to know if they have already released the dates for Australia tour?

 

[CanadianG00se]

With respect, your post doesn't seem to grasp the South African requirements in this.

Firstly, it's normal that South African players in the IPL be recalled for national duty where schedules coincide. It would be equally unthinkable for Australia or England to field a sub-standard national team because they had foolishly released players for private leagues overseas. That's not an act of aggression against the BCCI.

Secondly, the South African season is a fixed event. Home internationals take place during the summer (December-January) school holidays, when children and adults are on holiday and can attend or watch on TV.

There are only two exceptions to this. Minnows can visit out of season, like New Zealand did eleven months ago. And because the Australian and South African home seasons are identical, Australian tours can slip back later - and next year the Australian tour commences on 22 February and ends with an Easter weekend Test at Johannesburg.

Thirdly, the Australia dates are fixed. People like me have already bought air fares and paid for hotels. India can't play in February-March because Australia are there.

Cricket South Africa cannot get away with just filling its pockets with Indian TV money regardless of the local impact. Last time India shortened the Test series at the eleventh hour, which meant that vendors in Cape Town lost their livelihoods. The government was enraged, and told Cricket South Africa that in future it had to lookafter the little guys.

Cricket South Africa has to schedule marquee international cricket when the public is free to watch it, between mid-December and mid-January.

If they roll over and schedule nothing then, but host India from mid-January to mid-February and make a huge profit on selling the TV rights in India, the government will crush Cricket South Africa. Everyone would not just see the empty grounds, they will know that the vendors are making no money.

And worse, there would be seething public discontent at the failure to schedule any cricket during the holidays in December-January.

You misunderstood him, what he is trying to say is that Mr Lorgat tried to play dirty politics during IPL. I read in media back then that, Lorgat recalled the players on May 10 instead of original comittment of May 17. There were no International games for South Africa for that one week window, it just Lorgat tried to used an extension as an bargaining chip, in order to allow players stay a week longer if BCCI agrees to tour for Boxing day test.
We all know how that turned out, BCCI didn't even bothered to reply to H. Lorgat and players left IPL on May 10.
In the end, CSA and Lorgat are left with uncertainity over boxing day test match. Not a smart move by Lorgat if you ask me.

 

[Junaids]

I think 2 month window to host full series i.e 4 Test, 3-5 ODIs and 2 T20s might be enough. As far as crowd for the series, not sure if SA ever gets full house, and for advertisement, itwouldnt be a problem, as many Indian based companies sponsor Indian away games as well. Indian team is most marketable cricket team on planet.

My friend, I appreciate your posts - very much actually! - but I must suggest that you try to understand the situation of Cricket South Africa.

The BCCI could make them rich - and yet still get them disbanded! Closed. Caput.

The government of South Africa has already banned Cricket South Africa (CSA) from hosting ICC global tournaments because it thinks it worries too much about money and results and not enough about racial transformation. CSA is drinking in the Last Chance Saloon.

Cricket South Africa is expected to provide the country with cricket on TV and at the grounds from mid-December to mid-January when everyone is on holiday in the whole country.

If they fail to do so, and just host India when everyone is back at work and at school, even if Indian TV pays massive money for the rights, Cricket South Africa will be in big, big trouble.

The government was incandescent with rage three years ago when India cancelled the Cape Town Test and the food vendors went broke. Furious.

The issue with advertisers is not the Indian market. They pay whichever Indian TV network gets the rights. No, the problem is that in South Africa, SuperSport TV has paid big money for the rights to broadcast to its South African subscribers when they are on holiday from mid-December to mid-January. If the series takes place when they are back at work, SuperSport will go beserk.

And not just them. The hoteliers and airlines are already furious at the delayed release of the itinerary.

Let me explain why.

Cricket tourism is a multi-million dollar industry in countries where we get 5+ weeks of paid vacation time per year.

I've just got my travel files out: consider these dates:

December 13 2016: Cricket Australia announced Ashes schedule for December 2017.
December 19 2016: I paid over $2,000 to reserve my hotel for the Adelaide Test (49 weeks later)

January 4 2017: Cricket South Africa announced dates for Australia's tour of South Africa in February-April 2018. (Note that airline tickets can only be booked either 365, 355 or 335 days in advance, according to the airline).

January 5 2017: While sitting at the Australia v Pakistan Test at Sydney, I applied to my work for 3 weeks off from late February to mid-March 2018 to watch South Africa host Australia in 2018.

March 2017: I purchased my non-refundable airline tickets Johannesburg-Cape Town, Cape Town-Durban, Durban-Port Elizabeth and Port Elizabeth-Johannesburg for February and March 2018.

April 2017: I purchased my non-refundable Brisbane-Perth return and Perth-Johannesburg return airline tickets for February and March 2018.

I understand that the Indian economy hasn't really reached a point where people get enough annual paid leave to travel like this. But here in Australia we have a mature economy which allows us to do this.

Three different airlines and four different hotels are getting a lot of money from me. And proper planning and advance notice is what made this travel possible.

The BCCI and Indian fans seem to think "South Africa should be happy - our TV channels will pay a lot of money for the rights".

But in reality, only Cricket South Africa will be happy. And given that they released the final dates for the Australia tour in early January 2017, they would have liked to have finalised the India details two months earlier than that!

 

[Saffer_XIII]

Will probably happen en route to the full tour of South Africa in November 2018.

South Africa needs to host cricket either side of Christmas when kids and adults are on holiday. And Pakistan aren't due in New Zealand until around 10 January.

My suggestion would be for Pakistan to bring forward the tour of Zimbabwe to November 2017, and arrange something like this:

First Test in Zimbabwe 30 Nov to 4 Dec
Second Test in Zimbabwe 7 to 11 Dec
One Off Test in South Africa 15-19 Dec
First ODI in South Africa 26 Dec
Second ODI in South Africa 28 Dec
Third ODI in South Africa 30 Dec
One Off T20i in South Africa 1 Jan

Are you honestly suggesting we abandon Boxing day test and new year's test for an ODI and T20. Never in a million tears.

 

[Junaids]

Are you honestly suggesting we abandon Boxing day test and new year's test for an ODI and T20. Never in a million tears.

It's actually more complex than that.

Durban is the traditional venue for South Africa's Boxing Day Test - it hosted it in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015.

But there wasn't one in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014 or 2016, although on two of those occasions that was because South Africa was playing the MCG one.

But Durban is hosting an Australia Test in March, and due to its Indian population simply has to host one when they tour. It ain't going to host 3 Tests in 3 months.

So the Durban Boxing Day Test goes.

India seem to want to arrive in February. I've left the Pakistanis leaving by 1 January - and finishing with a T20i - so that India can play a New Year's Test from Thursday 4 January (Days 3 and 4 would be the weekend).

New Year's Tests rarely start on 1 January because there is no public transport.

 

[USofA]

The PCB should step in and take the boxing day test. I don't think the SA-Ind boxing day test will happen, unless BCCI wants it to happen. I do not see CSA holding their ground against BCCI.

BCCI always seems to go to the negotiating table with the upper hand and come out with what they want and how they want it. Things like the Big 3 have only changed on paper. BCCI still seems to always control things.

 

[Joggerman]

The PCB should step in and take the boxing day test. I don't think the SA-Ind boxing day test will happen, unless BCCI wants it to happen. I do not see CSA holding their ground against BCCI.

BCCI always seems to go to the negotiating table with the upper hand and come out with what they want and how they want it. Things like the Big 3 have only changed on paper. BCCI still seems to always control things.

Though I really hope PCB cashes in here but going by their history, not much can be expected unless SA themselves propose something. And given Pak is the only top team free in that window, chances seem good for SA to opt for them as an alternative to India.

 

[zn426]

My friend, I appreciate your posts - very much actually! - but I must suggest that you try to understand the situation of Cricket South Africa.

The BCCI could make them rich - and yet still get them disbanded! Closed. Caput.

The government of South Africa has already banned Cricket South Africa (CSA) from hosting ICC global tournaments because it thinks it worries too much about money and results and not enough about racial transformation. CSA is drinking in the Last Chance Saloon.

Cricket South Africa is expected to provide the country with cricket on TV and at the grounds from mid-December to mid-January when everyone is on holiday in the whole country.

If they fail to do so, and just host India when everyone is back at work and at school, even if Indian TV pays massive money for the rights, Cricket South Africa will be in big, big trouble.

The government was incandescent with rage three years ago when India cancelled the Cape Town Test and the food vendors went broke. Furious.

The issue with advertisers is not the Indian market. They pay whichever Indian TV network gets the rights. No, the problem is that in South Africa, SuperSport TV has paid big money for the rights to broadcast to its South African subscribers when they are on holiday from mid-December to mid-January. If the series takes place when they are back at work, SuperSport will go beserk.

And not just them. The hoteliers and airlines are already furious at the delayed release of the itinerary.

Let me explain why.

Cricket tourism is a multi-million dollar industry in countries where we get 5+ weeks of paid vacation time per year.

I've just got my travel files out: consider these dates:

December 13 2016: Cricket Australia announced Ashes schedule for December 2017.
December 19 2016: I paid over $2,000 to reserve my hotel for the Adelaide Test (49 weeks later)

January 4 2017: Cricket South Africa announced dates for Australia's tour of South Africa in February-April 2018. (Note that airline tickets can only be booked either 365, 355 or 335 days in advance, according to the airline).

January 5 2017: While sitting at the Australia v Pakistan Test at Sydney, I applied to my work for 3 weeks off from late February to mid-March 2018 to watch South Africa host Australia in 2018.

March 2017: I purchased my non-refundable airline tickets Johannesburg-Cape Town, Cape Town-Durban, Durban-Port Elizabeth and Port Elizabeth-Johannesburg for February and March 2018.

April 2017: I purchased my non-refundable Brisbane-Perth return and Perth-Johannesburg return airline tickets for February and March 2018.

I understand that the Indian economy hasn't really reached a point where people get enough annual paid leave to travel like this. But here in Australia we have a mature economy which allows us to do this.

Three different airlines and four different hotels are getting a lot of money from me. And proper planning and advance notice is what made this travel possible.

The BCCI and Indian fans seem to think "South Africa should be happy - our TV channels will pay a lot of money for the rights".

But in reality, only Cricket South Africa will be happy. And given that they released the final dates for the Australia tour in early January 2017, they would have liked to have finalised the India details two months earlier than that!

It is amazing to me how BCCI can simply get away with this and seems to think they are the only big show in town. Pakistan and PCB should absolutely take advantage of this. It will give them good relationships with CSA and show that they are an available partner and a big team that is available to play in that time period. CSA will also have negotiating leverage as they will show they are not reliant on Indian series The stands will be full and it's clear that Pakistani investors are interested in investing in South African cricket. Whoever replaces SK should capitalize on this.

 

[CanadianG00se]

My friend, I appreciate your posts - very much actually! - but I must suggest that you try to understand the situation of Cricket South Africa.

The BCCI could make them rich - and yet still get them disbanded! Closed. Caput.

The government of South Africa has already banned Cricket South Africa (CSA) from hosting ICC global tournaments because it thinks it worries too much about money and results and not enough about racial transformation. CSA is drinking in the Last Chance Saloon.

Cricket South Africa is expected to provide the country with cricket on TV and at the grounds from mid-December to mid-January when everyone is on holiday in the whole country.

If they fail to do so, and just host India when everyone is back at work and at school, even if Indian TV pays massive money for the rights, Cricket South Africa will be in big, big trouble.

The government was incandescent with rage three years ago when India cancelled the Cape Town Test and the food vendors went broke. Furious.

The issue with advertisers is not the Indian market. They pay whichever Indian TV network gets the rights. No, the problem is that in South Africa, SuperSport TV has paid big money for the rights to broadcast to its South African subscribers when they are on holiday from mid-December to mid-January. If the series takes place when they are back at work, SuperSport will go beserk.

And not just them. The hoteliers and airlines are already furious at the delayed release of the itinerary.

Let me explain why.

Cricket tourism is a multi-million dollar industry in countries where we get 5+ weeks of paid vacation time per year.

I've just got my travel files out: consider these dates:

December 13 2016: Cricket Australia announced Ashes schedule for December 2017.
December 19 2016: I paid over $2,000 to reserve my hotel for the Adelaide Test (49 weeks later)

January 4 2017: Cricket South Africa announced dates for Australia's tour of South Africa in February-April 2018. (Note that airline tickets can only be booked either 365, 355 or 335 days in advance, according to the airline).

January 5 2017: While sitting at the Australia v Pakistan Test at Sydney, I applied to my work for 3 weeks off from late February to mid-March 2018 to watch South Africa host Australia in 2018.

March 2017: I purchased my non-refundable airline tickets Johannesburg-Cape Town, Cape Town-Durban, Durban-Port Elizabeth and Port Elizabeth-Johannesburg for February and March 2018.

April 2017: I purchased my non-refundable Brisbane-Perth return and Perth-Johannesburg return airline tickets for February and March 2018.

I understand that the Indian economy hasn't really reached a point where people get enough annual paid leave to travel like this. But here in Australia we have a mature economy which allows us to do this.

Three different airlines and four different hotels are getting a lot of money from me. And proper planning and advance notice is what made this travel possible.

The BCCI and Indian fans seem to think "South Africa should be happy - our TV channels will pay a lot of money for the rights".

But in reality, only Cricket South Africa will be happy. And given that they released the final dates for the Australia tour in early January 2017, they would have liked to have finalised the India details two months earlier than that!

If the above is true than CSA are indeed in 'lose-lose' scenario. They are facing heat from their Govt to provide entertainment for locals during Christmas season(Boxing day test), while on the other hand, they do not hold leverage over BCCI to make them tour in December on time for Boxing day test. It is frustrating for fans who are planning to see the game, are left with uncertainity as to whether there will be a Boxing day test.

CSA has already announced the schedule for Australia tour, whereas Indian tour is yet to be finalised which is happening before Australian tour.

I'm not sure how does India's labour law works , and what are the rules in regards to annual paid/unpaid leave. Though, many Indian fans from here in Toronto travel globally to watch Indian games (mostly ICC events). Like myself, many Indian fans here are very least interested in watching Test cricket.


Anyways, Thank you for the insightful post

 

[cricketjoshila]

It is amazing to me how BCCI can simply get away with this and seems to think they are the only big show in town. Pakistan and PCB should absolutely take advantage of this. It will give them good relationships with CSA and show that they are an available partner and a big team that is available to play in that time period. CSA will also have negotiating leverage as they will show they are not reliant on Indian series The stands will be full and it's clear that Pakistani investors are interested in investing in South African cricket. Whoever replaces SK should capitalize on this.

So Pakistan team will bring the same revenue as Indian team?

 

[CanadianG00se]

Now that BCCI have released their home schedule which ends on December 24th, rules out of any possibility of boxing day test happening between India and South Africa.



Virat Kohli and his boys will embark upon another long home season after returning from Sri Lanka tour to play 23 international games in between September and December.

Team India will host Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in the upcoming season. Australia, who at present are involved in a pay dispute with their board, will be the first team to visit India in mid-September to play five ODIs. Chennai, Bangalore, Nagpur, Indore and Kolkata will host the five ODI matches.

The two teams will lock horns with each other in a 3 T20I series post ODIs. These matches will be played at Hyderabad, Ranchi and at the newly built stadium in Guwahati. The series will be followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is against New Zealand who will arrive in India in mid-October. The Black Caps will play ODIs at Pune, Mumbai and Kanpur while Delhi, Cuttack and Rajkot are slated to host the T20Is. Once the limited-overs series with Kiwis concludes in the first week of November. Team India will host Sri Lanka for three Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is.


http://www.oneindia.com/sports/cric...on-here-s-schedule-of-23-matches-2512783.html

 

[Abdullah719]

India's tour to South Africa will include four Tests

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...l-include-four-tests/articleshow/59925868.cms

COLOMBO: He may not achieve his desire for a Boxing Day Test (which traditionally begins from December 26), but Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat would feel relieved that India look set to tour South Africa for a full-fledged tour in January.

Having decided to host Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in a busy home season, India delayed the trip to SA, triggering concerns that they may shorten it (play two or three Tests perhaps), but those fears, much to the relief of the fans, are unfounded.

"Yes, the tour to South Africa is very much on. It will be a full-fledged series, involving four Tests, five ODIs and 3 T20Is," a BCCI office bearer told TOI on Friday. He further added that the Indian team will be flying out to South Africa on December 28, just after Christmas.The first Test match is likely to begin from January 3.

It is also learnt that the BCCI wanted to have two practice matches before the start of the Test series. But with the Sri Lanka series finishing on December 23, it might not be possible to play two warm up matches. The Indian cricketers will get one warm up match before the series begins.

After that tour, which offers Virat Kohli & Co a "serious" test on overseas soil for the first time in a long while, India are set to play in the Independence Cup in Sri Lanka -an ODI tournament involving Pakistan and South Africa, besides the hosts. "That tournament will begin by March 15," he said.

Meanwhile, India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for three Tests, five ODIs and a T20 international in November and December. Apparently, India weren't initially supposed to host the Lankans later this season, but were "requested" to do so by a rattled Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after their tour to South Africa was cancelled by CSA.

Clearly, the poor quality of cricket that the Lankans are dishing out at the moment has much to do with the CSA's decision. For that matter, even the BCCI, which has "graciously" helped out the SLC, with whom it shares an "extremely friendly relationship," will be worried about how much interest a home series against such a weak opponent will generate among sponsors, telecasters and most importantly, the fans.

 

[Junaids]

So both South Africa and Pakistan are free between 15 December and 3 January - when Pakistan would have to fly to NZ.

 

[hadi123]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...l-include-four-tests/articleshow/59925868.cms

COLOMBO: He may not achieve his desire for a Boxing Day Test (which traditionally begins from December 26), but Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat would feel relieved that India look set to tour South Africa for a full-fledged tour in January.

Having decided to host Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in a busy home season, India delayed the trip to SA, triggering concerns that they may shorten it (play two or three Tests perhaps), but those fears, much to the relief of the fans, are unfounded.

"Yes, the tour to South Africa is very much on. It will be a full-fledged series, involving four Tests, five ODIs and 3 T20Is," a BCCI office bearer told TOI on Friday. He further added that the Indian team will be flying out to South Africa on December 28, just after Christmas.The first Test match is likely to begin from January 3.

It is also learnt that the BCCI wanted to have two practice matches before the start of the Test series. But with the Sri Lanka series finishing on December 23, it might not be possible to play two warm up matches. The Indian cricketers will get one warm up match before the series begins.

After that tour, which offers Virat Kohli & Co a "serious" test on overseas soil for the first time in a long while, India are set to play in the Independence Cup in Sri Lanka -an ODI tournament involving Pakistan and South Africa, besides the hosts. "That tournament will begin by March 15," he said.

Meanwhile, India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for three Tests, five ODIs and a T20 international in November and December. Apparently, India weren't initially supposed to host the Lankans later this season, but were "requested" to do so by a rattled Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after their tour to South Africa was cancelled by CSA.

Clearly, the poor quality of cricket that the Lankans are dishing out at the moment has much to do with the CSA's decision. For that matter, even the BCCI, which has "graciously" helped out the SLC, with whom it shares an "extremely friendly relationship," will be worried about how much interest a home series against such a weak opponent will generate among sponsors, telecasters and most importantly, the fans.

I've heard the Independence Cup is between India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh? Didn't know Pakistan and SA would be there

 

[Kashmiri_Pak_fan]

So both South Africa and Pakistan are free between 15 December and 3 January - when Pakistan would have to fly to NZ.

How can u say that? Is there pak vs sl schedule announced?

 

[CanadianG00se]

I've heard the Independence Cup is between India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh? Didn't know Pakistan and SA would be there

Even im confused as regarding Independence cup. I thought its gonna be India-Sri Lanka- Bangladesh, but the article above mentions South Africa, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. Im confused now
Can someone please confirm who are teams gonna be in next year's Independence cup?

Thanks

 

[Joggerman]

How can u say that? Is there pak vs sl schedule announced?

Actually Pak is free from 15 Nov onwards instead of 15 Dec. Although Pak SL schedule hasnt been announced, but SL Ind schedule has been announced and according to that, their series commences from 15 Nov.
Consequently, Pak and SA both are free between 15 Nov and 3 January. I am sure something can be arranged in this gap (despite the global T20 league) if both sides especially PCB shows some effort.

 

[Joggerman]

So both South Africa and Pakistan are free between 15 December and 3 January - when Pakistan would have to fly to NZ.

They are free from 15 Nov to 3rd Jan (more than 1.5 months)

 

[shabir kham]

As both teams will be free, so any chance of series happening?

 

[CanadianG00se]

[MENTION=139765]Arham_PakFan[/MENTION]

At least a short series of 3 odis or 2 tests could be arranged by Pak in SA during that period. SA wouldnt mind some intl cricket after the cancellation of India Tour especially during Boxing Day.

Im pretty sure CSA would mind if Indian tour was cancelled. For them its time to earn big cash from Indian games. No other team for them bring as much revenue as India does not even Pakistan.
So, even if Pakistan tour South Africa for short tour, CSA would not be able to recover the potential earning lost due to cancellation of Indian tour