Will South Africa qualify for World Cup 2023?

In a surprising move, South Africa have pulled out of the ODI series against Australia, scheduled to take place in January 2023. Following the development, the question now looms over the Proteas’ hopes for direct qualification for the 50-over World Cup next year in India. South Africa stand 11th on the Super League standings, with only the top eight teams qualifying for the mega ICC event.

As reported by cricket.com. au, Cricket South Africa [CSA] has asked Cricket Australia [CA] to reschedule the dates. The series was initially supposed to take place from January 12-17. However, the South African cricket board wanted the 3-match series to be pushed further as the dates clashed with their new franchise T20 league.

In reply, CA announced on Wednesday that it has not found any alternative dates to reschedule the series. In an official statement, the board said there were no alternative dates available to play the series due to a congested international schedule, including the postponed events during the pandemic; the T20 World Cup.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley indicated the upcoming summer of cricket was already too crowded.

“It is disappointing that Cricket South Africa will be unable to contest the ODI series in January,” he said.

“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.

“This will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and a record six touring teams for the Men’s and Women’s international series as well as the twelfth season of the BBL and the eighth season of the WBBL.

“We can’t wait to see fans back at the cricket this summer,” he added.

Following CA’s response, South Africa decided to withdraw. Since the games won’t be played before the qualification cut-off date in May 2023, the 30 competition points on offer will be awarded to Australia, pending ICC approval.

South Africa withdrawing from the series would boost the Big Bash League [BBL] with the availability of Aussie Test players. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa, Aaron Finch, Mitch Marsh, and Ashton Agar will be free to play the league unless they receive a Test call-up.

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