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WPCA devastated by tour snub

Cape Town - Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) President Beresford Williams says it's a huge setback for Newlands not to receive any games for the upcoming India tour of South Africa.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday announced the fixture list for the shortened tour in December.

India will play two Test matches and three One-Day Internationals against South Africa, as well as a two-day tour match against a South Africa Invitation XI in Benoni.

Newlands - the most supported ground in SA - was snubbed as a venue for any of the ODIs and Tests, with Kingsmead in Durban and Wanderers in Johannesburg each hosting a Test and an ODI. The other ODI will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

“From being scheduled to host Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test to nothing, this is a big shock to us and it will impact seriously on our business,” Williams said via a statement released to the media on Wednesday.

The WPCA stands to lose several million in income from the changed tour plans, with advertising income, beverage sales, hospitality and vending all affected.

"Worse still, the most loyal cricket spectators in South Africa are going to be losing out," commented WPCA CEO André Odendaal.

"Newlands is the premier Test ground in South Africa, traditionally bringing in the most spectators and the highest income for Tests for Cricket South Africa. So we are mystified by the decision. There has been no explanation given to us so far, but we are encouraged by the President’s statement that CSA is 'working on plans to fill the gaps in our international itinerary for this season'".

The tour was cut short due to India's strained relationship with CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat.

Lorgat will also not be dealing with matters related to India and the ICC pending an inquiry into allegations against him.

The allegations stem from his role in a statement issued by David Becker - a former legal head of the ICC - that the BCCI's flouting of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) could have legal implications.

India Tour Itinerary:

December 5: 1st ODI, Wanderers (Day/Night)
December 8: 2nd ODI, Kingsmead (Day)
December 11: 3rd ODI, SuperSport Park (Day/Night)

December 14-15: Two-day tour match v SA Invitation XI, Willowmoore Park

December 18-22: 1st Test, Wanderers
December 26-30: 2nd Test, Kingsmead
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