The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have officially announced the schedule for India’s tour of South Africa. The tour will include three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches, taking place from December 10 until the first week of January 2024. This tour will mark India’s first away series following the ODI World Cup in South Africa, which concludes on November 19.
The tour will commence with a three-match T20I series starting on December 10 in Durban, with the next two matches scheduled for December 12 and 14 in Gqeberha and Johannesburg, respectively. Shortly after, the ODI series will kick off on December 17, with the next two matches taking place on December 19 and 21.
The highly anticipated two-match Test series, known as the Freedom Series and part of the World Test Championship (WTC), will begin on Boxing Day, December 26, in Centurion. The second Test, referred to as the New Year Test, is scheduled in Cape Town.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the significance of the Freedom Series, as it pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, two influential leaders who shaped the destinies of both nations and the world. The Boxing Day Test and the New Year Test hold great importance on the international cricket calendar, and the schedule has been strategically planned around these prestigious dates. Shah expressed confidence in fans being treated to thrilling and intense contests, as India has always received strong support in South Africa.
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CSA Chairperson, Mr. Lawson Naidoo, eagerly awaits the arrival of the Indian Cricket Team and their passionate fans. He considers this tour crucial for both teams and is delighted that it encompasses all three formats of the game. Naidoo anticipates exciting cricket and thrilling matches, showcasing the exceptional talent of both South Africa and India. The spread of matches across the nation also provides an opportunity to highlight the best of South Africa. Naidoo expressed gratitude to BCCI for their unwavering support throughout the tour planning process.
Here’s detailed schedule
December 10, 2023: 1st T20I, Durban
December 12, 2023: 2nd T20I, Gqeberha
December 14, 2023: 3rd T20I, Johannesburg
December 17, 2023: 1st ODI, Johannesburg
December 19, 2023: 2nd ODI, Gqeberha
December 21,2023: 3rd ODI, Paarl
December 26 – December 30, 2023: 1st Test, Centurion
January 3 – January 7, 2024: 2nd Test, Cape Town