England's limited-overs tour of South Africa called off

England's limited-overs tour of South Africa stands cancelled as announced on Monday. In a mutual consent, CSA and ECB have decided to call off the remainder of the white-ball series to ensure the well-being of the players from both sides. 

CSA and the ECB have agreed to postpone the remaining matches in the current @betway ODI Series. The decision was taken jointly by the two Boards to ensure the mental and physical health and welfare of players from both teams. #Proteas #SAvENG #BetwayODI #SeeUsOnThePitch pic.twitter.com/p6I0IRE8PC

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 7, 2020

The decision comes in the wake of breaches in the team's bio-bubble. Just moments before the first ODI on Sunday, it was reported that two staff members of the team's hotel had tested positive. Add to that, a South African player and two other English players were tested positive, putting the remainder of a limited-overs series in doubt. 

The three-match T20I series was played as planned. On the other hand, the ODI series was postponed three times in just four days due to the deterioration of COVID-19 circumstances. Both the teams, however, remain committed to playing the series in the near future.

Cricket South Africa acting CEO Kugandrie Govender and ECB CEO throw light on the decision 

Govender (CSA CEO): "The concern over the mental health impact of recent events on all involved is not one that we as CSA or the ECB take lightly and the decision to postpone the tour is the most responsible and reasonable course of action for us. I would like to thank the ECB for the continued positive relations, and we look forward to hosting the England team in the near future."

Tom Harrison (ECB CEO): "We have always maintained that the welfare of our players and management is paramount. We were concerned about the potential impact that recent developments might have on the wellbeing of the touring party, and so after consultation with Cricket South Africa, we have jointly made the decision to postpone the remaining matches in this Series, in best interest of the players' welfare. I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for their support and understanding on this matter and look forward to working with them to identify a time when we can return to play these fixtures in the future."

[CSA and ECB input]