The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced the fixture of India’s tour of South Africa 2023-24. As per the official release, the tour commences in December 2023 with a three-match T20I series, followed by as many ODIs and will culminate with the Freedom Series for Gandhi-Mandela Trophy involving two Tests.
The first T20I will be played on December 5 in Durban after which the teams will move to Gqeberha for the next game on December 12. The third and final T20I will be played in Johannesburg on December 14.
The 3-match ODI series commences three days later, on December 17 in Johannesburg. The teams will return to Gqeberha for the second One-Day International on December 19 while the final game will be held in Paarl on December 21.
The two teams will then shift focus to the longest format and square off in the first game of the 2-match series – the Boxing Day Test – starting December 26 on Centurion. The final game of the tour will be played in Cape Town, starting January 3 next year.
Here’s the Complete Fixture:
While making the announcement, BCCI secretary Jay Shah spoke about the importance of the Freedom series and is expecting some ‘enthralling contests’ in the Rainbow Nation.
“The Freedom Series is significant not just because it features two excellent Test teams, but also because it honours Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, two great leaders who shaped our respective nations, and the world around them. The Boxing Day Test and the New Year Test are amongst the most important fixtures on the international cricket calendar and the schedule has been planned particularly around these marquee dates. India has always received strong support in South Africa, and I am confident that fans will be treated to some enthralling contests with no shortage of intensity,” said Shah.
Cricket South Africa Chairperson Lawson Naidoo said, “I eagerly await the arrival of the Indian Cricket Team and their passionate fans on our shores. This is an important tour for both teams and I am really pleased that we will have a full tour comprising all three formats of the game. Both South Africa and India boast exceptional talent, and we can look forward to exciting cricket and thrilling matches. The tour also allows us to showcase the best of South Africa and we have spread out matches across the nation. We share an excellent rapport with BCCI, and I thank them for their support right throughout.”
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