South Africa pull out of Australia ODI series due to packed schedule and new T20 League

CA said Cricket South Africa had asked to shift the series, which was scheduled for Hobart (January 12), Sydney (January 14) and Perth (January 17).

"Unfortunately, due to the congested international schedule including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, there are no alternative dates available," CA said in a statement on Wednesday.

CA said South Africa had agreed that Australia would be awarded the competition points, pending approval from the International Cricket Council.

South Africa's forfeit could affect their chances of qualifying directly for next year's one-day World Cup in India.

The Proteas are 11th in the World Cup Super League standings, with only the top seven teams, apart from hosts India, to qualify directly for the 10-team tournament.

South Africa's test team are scheduled to tour Australia for a three-match series starting in Brisbane on December 17.

Australia pulled out of their test tour of South Africa last year citing heath risks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision greeted by disappointment and frustration by Cricket South Africa.

Cricket South Africa's request to reschedule also has ties with its new Twenty20 (T20) franchise league, due to begin in January 2023. For the success of the new tournament, having South Africa's best players available is key to its success, giving less time for other, less lucrative cricket to be played. 

In a statement on Wednesday, CSA's Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki said: "CSA offered four options (for new dates). Unfortunately, and to our disappointment, none of these were acceptable to Cricket Australia.

"As difficult as this decision has been, the long-term sustainability of our new T20 League is reliant on having all our domestic players available."