South Africa, India series to be held behind closed doors

South Africa's upcoming home cricket series against India will be played without spectators due to a wave of COVID-19 infections.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) said in a statement that the decision to play behind closed doors had been taken jointly with the Indian cricket board (BCCI).

The three-match test series begins on Sunday in Centurion.

The teams are also scheduled to play three one-day internationals starting from January 19.

"This 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," the CSA's statement read.

It added that the decision was made in the best interest of the game as well as the health and safety of players and staff.

South Africa reported a record number of daily COVID-19 infections last week in a fourth wave believed to be largely caused by the Omicron variant.

ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

Tickets for the upcoming #SAvIND tour will not be made available after both cricket bodies took a joint decision to protect the players and the tour 😢

The matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC 📺

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/iTa8p4hRQf pic.twitter.com/VFBf2HYyNo

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 20, 2021