South African cricket's governing body has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in regards to Cricket Australia's decision to postpone their upcoming tour.
The Aussies were due to travel for a three-Test series in March, but cited 'unacceptable' health risks regarding a new strain of COVID-19 in the South African community.
Cricket South Africa wants independent experts to determine whether or not the health concerns the Australians are displaying were justifiable, and have asked for the matter to be heard at the ICC's dispute-resolution council.
"It would seem inappropriate to appoint a health and safety consultant outside of South Africa given that such an expert would be unlikely to properly and accurately comprehend the COVID-19 related risks within South Africa and how they may be adequately managed," a leaked email from CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki, published by CricInfo read.
"Given the nature of the pandemic, it will inevitably require location-specific advice."
Earlier this week, former skipper and current CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith called on the ICC to act strongly in dealing with this situation, and expressed concerns that outside of England, Australia, and India, other cricketing nations didn't have much a voice at the top table.
"More than anything, the ICC needs to have strong leadership going forward now," said Smith. "I believe Covid is amplifying the haves and the have-nots relationships across the board and how the future landscape is going to be handled.
"It makes it extremely challenging for the rest of the member nations," he said.
"I don't think world cricket wants three nations competing against each other in ten years' time."
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/cricket/south-africa-lodge-official-complaint-to-icc-over-australian-snub/e6c9785f-7cf0-4669-b37d-a266044070d3
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