South Africa confirm they will NOT be sending women's squad to England in September

Regulations imposed by the South African government, as a counter-measure to the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, have prevented the governing body from being able to commit to the matches, which were scheduled to take place in Derby

The proposed limited-overs series between England Women and South Africa will not take place in September, after Cricket South Africa informed the ECB they will not be able to make the relevant travel arrangements.

Regulations imposed by the South African government, as a counter-measure to the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, have prevented the governing body from being able to commit to the matches, which were scheduled to take place in Derby.

India's scheduled trip was cancelled by the BCCI earlier this summer.

The ECB are in discussions with several other countries over the possibility of a late replacement, but the possibility of no international women's cricket taking place this summer is becoming more likely.

West Indies are among the boards to be consulted - the Caribbean islands sent a men's squad for a successful three-match Test campaign in July. Pakistan's men are currently engaged in a Test series in Southampton, but The Cricketer understands the PCB have not been approached over the possibility of their women's side - who have not practised for four months - making the trip.

However, despite the determination of the ECB to provide elite women's cricket this summer, there is no guarantee that new opposition will be sought.

^{England Women face the possibility of no international cricket this summer}

Clare Connor, the managing director of England women's cricket, said: "We are immensely disappointed that we are not yet able to confirm fixtures for England Women this summer due to India and South Africa being unable to travel.

"We have been committed from the outset to deliver the same bio-secure standards for both men’s and women’s international cricket, an investment that included exclusive hotel use for teams, chartered flights and medical provisions.

"An ECB team, with support from the Incora County Ground, Derby, has created a dedicated behind closed doors environment to host all of our women’s internationals.

"Women's and girls' cricket is a huge part of the ECB strategy and despite the devastating impact of Covid-19, this ambition has not waned. We continue to explore all options to see England Women play competitively this summer."

South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith said: "It is frustrating that another opportunity for our Momentum Proteas to play against top quality opposition has again had to be cancelled but as always the safety of our players and support staff is the prime consideration."

It is the third tour South Africa have had to abandon as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

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