The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa has been called off in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak.

The remaining two One-Day Internationals (ODI) of the three-match series between India and South Africa has also been called off amid the coronavirus outbreak across the world.  The second ODI between the two sides was slated to take place on March 15 at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, while the third ODI between India and South Africa was scheduled for March 18 at Eden Gardens but in front of the empty stands. 

The first match in Dharamsala was washed out and the remaining two matches in Lucknow and Eden gardens were to be played behind closed doors. But now the BCCI, following consultations with stakeholders, has decided to call off the series. “South Africa will visit India at a later date to play 3 One-day Internationals. The BCCI-CSA will jointly work out the revised schedule,” said BCCI in a statement released on Friday.

South Africa will tour India at a later date for a three-match ODI series after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with Cricket South Africa (CSA) work out a revised schedule.

Both the BCCI (The Board of Control for Cricket in India) and CSA ( Cricket South Africa) on Friday announced to reschedule the ongoing ODI series in view of the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) outbreak. Cricket South Africa will visit India at a later date to play 3 One-day Internationals. The BCCI-CSA will jointly work out the revised schedule,” as per the statement of BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

On Thursday, the opening match between India and South Africa was abandoned without even the toss taking place due to rain in Dharamsala.

The remaining two ODIs of the three-match series would take place behind closed doors in front of empty stands after the Health Ministry issued an advisory directing all federations and fans to avoid large gatherings in order to prevent the deadly COVID-19 pandemic from spreading-  The BCCI had stated. 

Earlier, the IPL 2020, scheduled to begin from March 29, was suspended till April 15 to tackle the growing threat of the Coronavirus.

“The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience,” said a press release.