CENTURION (South Africa), Nov 27: South Africa will play an extra warm-up match in Australia following the postponement of the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League in India which was due to start next week.

The Dec 3-10 Champions League was postponed after a series of bombings and shootings in Mumbai, one of the venues due to be used for the tournament.

“It is a very sad day not just for cricket but for everybody affected by what has occurred in Mumbai,” said Gerald Majola, chief executive of Cricket South Africa.

“It is regrettable that the governing council of the Champions League had to take this decision but they had no choice in the circumstances.

“The safety of the players is of paramount importance at all times.

“It obviously has negative financial connotations for everybody involved and it is a huge disappointment for the franchise players from the Dolphins and the Titans who were looking forward to the opportunity of competing on a bigger stage.”

Six of South Africa’s Test squad for a tour of Australia next month were scheduled to play in the Champions League, including captain Graeme Smith. As a result South Africa planned to play only one two-day warm-up ahead of the first Test in Perth, starting on Dec 17.

Because they no longer have commitments in India, all the players will be available to travel to Australia together on Dec 6.

In addition to the two-day match against Western Australia on Dec 13 and 14 they are likely to play a one-day match with no restriction of overs at the Test venue, the WACA Ground in Perth, on Dec 10.

“I would like to thank Cricket Australia for their co-operation and assistance in this regard,” said Majola.—AFP