The Proteas will travel to India for this month’s ODI series despite the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

The spread of the virus has seen several sporting events across the globe cancelled or postponed, including cricket’s Everest Premier League in Nepal.

South Africa are scheduled to play three ODIs in Lucknow, Dharamsala and Kolkata.

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‘Cricket South Africa is fully conscious of the risks presented in regard to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and has engaged in a formal risk assessment process to ensure the health and safety of and duty of care to our players and staff,’ read a statement from CSA.

‘This risk assessment is informed by information provided by international experts, the US Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation, the South African Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

‘We have also been liaising with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the South African embassy in India and Indian security and risk experts. The government of India has also provided the necessary assurances.

‘The Proteas will be traveling to India via Dubai and landing and spending a day in Delhi, then proceeding to play in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Kolkata. None of the playing venues have recorded positive cases and travel between these cities will be via chartered flights reducing the risk even further. The risks in Dubai and Delhi are considered low.

‘While the risk remains low, precautionary measures are necessary because of the highly infectious nature of the disease. The team has been appraised of hygiene precautions, avoidance measures, and symptom recognition in addition to being provided with travel kits.

‘CSA chief medical officer, doctor Shuaib Manjra will be traveling with the team as team doctor and will keep abreast of developments in India and worldwide and advise CSA and team management accordingly.’

South Africa’s squad features the uncapped George Linde and the retained Kyle Verreynne – as well as the return of batsman Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis was rested for the ongoing ODI series against Australia.

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