Country moved into level three restrictions but international sport still allowed to take place
The ongoing series between South Africa and Sri Lanka will continue despite the country moving to a stricter level of lockdown. In the face of an increasing number of Covid-19 infections, the South African government has moved the country from level one to level three, prohibited all gatherings for two weeks and enforced a stricter curfew.
The regulations allow for international sports to take place involving countries with a low or medium infection and transmission rate (which includes Sri Lanka). Matches must take place behind closed doors, and venues have to be closed by 8pm.
“Only journalists, radio, television crew, security personnel, emergency medical services, and the necessary employees employed by the owners of the venue of the sport match, are allowed at the venue of the sport match and only the required number of players, match officials, support staff and medical crew required for the sport match, are allowed at the venue of the sport match,” regulation 36 (17) reads.
CSA confirmed that the new regulations will not impact the series.
No fans have been in attendance at any of South Africa’s international fixtures this summer, including the Boxing Day Test. Similarly, domestic matches have also taken place inside empty stadiums.
South Africa’s borders remain partially open and international flights are allowed subject to travelers producing a negative test for Covid-19, obtained no less than 72 hours before the flight. South Africans are also allowed to leave the country with the same rules. That means that the national men’s tour to Pakistan, which takes place in January, is still set to go ahead.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent