South Africa's withdrawal from the three-match ODI series against Australia in January has left everyone surprised as it could jeopardize their 2023 ODI World Cup's direct qualification hopes.
Cricket Australia (CA) put out a statement on Wednesday (July 13), confirming the move which has forced it to revise its 2022-23 home international schedule, although the Test series against the Proteas is unaffected.
It was understood that CSA had wanted the ODI series, scheduled for January 12-17, to be moved due to a clash with its new franchise T20 league set to be launched in that month. Due to the congested international schedule, a suitable alternate date could not be arranged.
Abandoning the series, which forms part of the Super League, hurts South Africa's chances of direct qualification for the 2023 men's ODI World Cup in India with the Proteas currently languishing in 11th spot with 49 points.
CA CEO Nick Hockley said: “It is disappointing that Cricket South Africa will be unable to contest the ODI series in January.
“That said, we are delighted to be hosting South Africa for the three Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests and with the comprehensive schedule of international cricket that will take place across Australia throughout the summer."
Some small tweaks to the massive summer of international cricket ahead.
Only the top eight teams from the 12 ICC full member nations plus the Netherlands qualify for the tournament with the remaining five teams having to play off against five Associate sides for the remaining two World Cup spots.
South Africa's remaining Super League matches before the May cut-off date are against ODI world champions England and India, meaning they face an uphill battle to climb out of the bottom five.
