South Africa is set to become the first international cricket team to tour Bangladesh following political unrest in the country. The series, consisting of two Test matches, is scheduled after a satisfactory security assessment by Cricket South Africa. It also potentially marks the end of Shakib Al Hasan’s Test career.
South Africa has been confirmed as the inaugural international cricket team to tour Bangladesh following the recent political upheaval in the country, as communicated by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on September 30. The planned tour is part of the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Program and includes a two-Test series, contingent on the positive outcome of CSA’s security assessment of conditions in Bangladesh. This tour marks the first instance of any foreign sports team visiting Bangladesh after significant political unrest led to the ousting of the Awami League government, resulting in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s temporary exit. Consequently, the Women’s T20 World Cup, originally set to take place in Bangladesh in 2024, was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to these conditions. The initial Test match is scheduled to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka starting October 21, followed by the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from October 29. CSA has authorized the series based on recommendations from its security team, which recently conducted an on-site assessment in Bangladesh. “A security assessment was recently conducted by CSA’s Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative of the South African Cricketers’ Association. CSA has given the series a go-ahead based on the recommendations made by the team post an in-loco inspection visit to Bangladesh,” stated CSA in a press release. The South African team, known as the Proteas, is anticipated to arrive in Dhaka on October 16 in preparation for the first Test. It is noteworthy that this series could signal the conclusion of Shakib Al Hasan’s Test career, as he has expressed a desire to retire at his home ground in Dhaka. His safety concerns were addressed by the interim government’s sports advisor shortly before this announcement. At present, Bangladesh is engaged in a tour of India, struggling in their current series, while South Africa’s last Test series resulted in a 1-0 victory against the West Indies.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh has had significant repercussions on the country’s ability to host international sporting events. Following widespread protests against the government, which resulted in the Prime Minister fleeing the country, major sports schedules, including the Women’s T20 World Cup for 2024, were affected. The announcement of South Africa’s tour signifies a cautious return to international cricket in Bangladesh, and its success may enhance the country’s prospects for hosting future sports events amidst ongoing security reassessments.
In summary, South Africa’s upcoming tour to Bangladesh is a noteworthy development following recent political instability in the region. The series represents a cautious but positive sign for international cricket’s return, addressing crucial security considerations, especially given the backdrop of domestic unrest. This series may also mark an important transition in the career of prominent all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
Original Source: www.cricket.com
