Cricket South Africa has confirmed a two-match Test series in Bangladesh starting on October 21, making them the first team to tour after recent political turmoil. A safety assessment deemed the tour secure for the players. The first Test will be held in Dhaka, followed by a match in Chattogram. Currently, South Africa needs to win significantly to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially confirmed that it will embark on a two-match Test series in Bangladesh, commencing on October 21. This tour marks a significant moment as South Africa will become the first international team to visit Bangladesh for a bilateral series following recent political unrest that led to the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Previously, the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup was shifted from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates due to escalating protests against the government. Presently, an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is in control, following Hasina’s departure to India. Ahead of this series, a comprehensive security assessment was conducted, involving CSA’s Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative from the South African Cricketers’ Association. Following their in-country evaluation, CSA deemed it appropriate to proceed with the tour based on their safety recommendations. The South Africa Test team is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on October 16, leading up to the first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, which will take place from October 21 to 25. They will subsequently travel to Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram for the second Test, set to occur from October 29 to November 2. Currently positioned sixth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, South Africa has secured two victories, three losses, and one draw from six matches. They will need to achieve at least five wins from their remaining six WTC games to maintain their chances of qualifying for the final at Lord’s in 2024.
The confirmation of South Africa’s tour to Bangladesh is pivotal, following significant political turmoil in the country. The protests had previously prompted the relocation of major events, such as the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for 2024. Moreover, this tour is a barometer of international cricket’s return to Bangladesh after the political upheaval, showcasing a measure of stability. The security evaluations underscore the importance of ensuring player welfare while maintaining competitive cricket during times of unrest within the host nation.
In summary, South Africa’s upcoming Test series in Bangladesh is a noteworthy development in the realm of international cricket, especially considering it is the first series following recent political upheaval. The CSA’s proactive measures regarding security signify a commitment to player safety. With South Africa aiming to improve their standings in the World Test Championship, this series may prove crucial for their ambitions in the forthcoming international cricket calendar.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
