South Africa on the verge of failing direct WC qualification after withdrawing from Australia ODIs

South Africa withdrew from the ODI series which was supposed to be played in January against Australia, and announced Cricket Australia on Wednesday which has certainly raised shocks throughout the cricket fans. This unfortunate withdrawal can lead to a maximum chance of South Africa not qualifying for the ODI World Cup 2023 which is going to place in India.

The ODI matches were all a part of the Super League which also determines the direct qualification of teams to the World Cup. India will host the 2023 World Cup from October to November. The world championship will be held completely in India for the very first time, as the prior three editions were held in parts: 1987 (India and Pakistan), 1996 (India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), and 2011. (India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh).

Cricket Australia sought to find substitute timeslots for the games in Hobart (January 12), Sydney (January 14), and Perth after receiving a request from Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reconvene the series (January 17). But even so, due to the crowded international schedule, such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Cricket Australia said during a statement that no alternate solution dates could be made available for the matches.

Because the ODI series would not be played prior to actually the May 2023 qualification deadline, Cricket South Africa has consented that Australia shall be granted competition points currently awaiting ICC approval.

“It is disappointing that Cricket South Africa will be unable to contest the ODI series in January,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.

“That said, we are delighted to be hosting South Africa for the three-match Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests and with the comprehensive schedule of international cricket that will take place across Australia throughout the summer. This will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and a record six touring teams for the Men’s and Women’s international series as well as the twelfth season of the BBL and the eighth season of the WBBL. We can’t wait to see fans back at the cricket this summer.” Hockley also added.

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South Africa, on the other hand, will visit Australia for a three-match test series from December 17, 2022 to January 8, 2023. The three Tests will be held at Brisbane’s The Gabba, Melbourne’s MCG, and Sydney’s SCG (Sydney).