CSA and the BCCI have made a joint decision to “protect the players and the tour” by not making tickets available for any of the matches between the Proteas and India this summer.

CSA said the decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment.

Current Covid-19 regulations in South Africa allow up to 2,000 spectators for sports events.

“We acknowledge the interest expressed by the fans and other stakeholders on being able to return to stadiums and want to assure all cricket fans that this decision was not taken lightly, but was instead taken in the best interest of the game and in the interest of the health and safety of all patrons,” said CSA acting chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki.

“Consequently, we urge all sports lovers to exercise absolute care, during these extraordinary times. I also wish to take this time to urge all South Africans to continue spreading the positive messages of vaccination, vaccination and vaccination, because this is the only way that we can truly get our country back into its high economic activity, which will assist government to open up the economy and all its forms of economic activity, including allowing greater numbers of fans back into stadiums.”

The first Test will start in Centurion on Sunday.

India tour of South Africa:

1st Test – 26-30 December, SuperSport Park, Centurion
2nd Test – 3-7 January, Wanderers, Johannesburg
3rd Test – 11-15 January, Newlands, Cape Town

1st ODI – 19 January, Boland Park, Paarl
2nd ODI – 21 January, Boland Park, Paarl
3rd ODI – 23 January, Newlands, Cape Town