After pulling out of the ODI leg of the AUS tour, South Africa's chances of qualifying for the World Cup are in danger

Cricket Australia stated on Wednesday that South Africa have left their ODI portion of the Australia tour (July 13). The three-match Test series was to be followed by an ODI series, which was slated to take place from January 12 to January 17 of the following year.

CSA had asked to change the dates of the ODI games last month, but because of a jam-packed international calendar, there was no time to reschedule. By pulling out of the series, the South African board has decided to award Australia the points from the three-match ODI series that was supposed to be a part of the current season of the Super League, which has a May 2019 cutoff date.

South Africa's chances of earning a direct qualification for the 50-over World Series in India in 2023 are likely to be seriously harmed by the decision.

"It is disappointing that Cricket South Africa will be unable to contest the ODI series in January, Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's CEO, said in a statement. "That said, we are delighted to be hosting South Africa for the three-Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests and with the comprehensive schedule of international cricket that will take place across Australia throughout the summer."

"This will include the Men's T20 World Series and a record six touring teams for the Men's and Women's international series as well as the twelfth season of the Aus T20 League and the eighth season of the Women’s Aus T20 League. We can't wait to see fans back at the cricket this summer."

Responding to Cricket Australia's statement, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said, "CSA is always keen on honouring its bilateral commitments. While CSA is committed to honouring its fixtures in respect of the Future Tours Programme there will sometimes be unforeseen circumstances that would negate this resolve.

"In the case of the Australia tour, CSA reached out to its counterpart months ago to reschedule the tour to mutually aggregable dates. CSA offered four options to that effect. Unfortunately, and to our disappointment, none of these were acceptable to Cricket Australia.

"CSA has agreed that the International Cricket Board will award Australia the competition points. While we are saddened at losing the crucial points, we are confident that our in-form Proteas team will garner the requisite points through the remaining games to secure automatic qualification to the showpiece event in India next year.

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

"CSA is looking forward to being hosted by Cricket Australia for an enticing blend of cricket in the three-Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests in Melbourne and Sydney," concluded Moseki.

Cricket Australia has shifted the venues of their home matches against the West Indies, England, and Pakistan as a result of South Africa's withdrawal.