Men’s tour to Namibia cancelled

Cricket Namibia and the KNCB announced today that the series between the two countries, scheduled from 25 March - 1 April, has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The teams were set to play two ODI’s and four T20’s at Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek.

Jaap Wals, Chief Executive of the KNCB: “Following government advice to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, including the increasing travel restrictions between countries, the KNCB feels there was no other option than to cancel this tour. Public and player health is of utmost importance and we are relying on public health professionals to help us navigate these difficult decisions. We would like to acknowledge the efforts by Cricket Namibia that has gone into planning the series and we are looking forward to future tours between the two nations.”

Johan Muller, Chief Executive of Cricket Namibia, said: “In the light of the recent updates from especially European countries, regarding the rapid blowout of the Coronavirus, Cricket Namibia understands and support the decision taken by KNCB to cancel their travels to Namibia. The Castle Lite Series, as it would have been branded, was a highlight on our calendar. The Namibian public and our sponsors were extremely excited to welcome a top ranked cricket country, such as Netherland’s, on home soil. I want to compliment Roland and his team for staying positive and committed to travel to Namibia up until the dramatic change in the situation this week. We believe that once the virus is under control, we can look to reschedule this tour.”

KNCB’s head coach Ryan Campbell: “We are obviously extremely disappointed not to be going to Namibia due to the Coronavirus, but I definitely believe the KNCB and Namibian Cricket have made the right decision. Player safety and well being must always come first. Due to the ongoing battle against this world wide pandemic, we have also decided to suspend all national training until at least April 1.”