South Africa is set to tour Bangladesh, marking the first international sports visit post-political unrest. The tour includes two Tests, contingent on CSA’s security assessments. This is significant following the turmoil that led to changes in leadership and the shifting of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The first Test will take place in Dhaka from October 21, with the second in Chattogram from October 29. This may also be the last Test for renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
South Africa is poised to become the first international team to tour Bangladesh following a period of significant political disruption in the nation. This was confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on September 30. The upcoming tour is a part of the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Program, featuring two Test matches. The series will take place contingent upon the security assessment team’s approval of the conditions in Bangladesh. This tour marks a historic moment, as it will be the first visit by any foreign sports team after the recent political upheaval that saw the ousting of the Awami League government and the subsequent flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political unrest necessitated the relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Bangladesh to the UAE. The first Test is scheduled to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka commencing October 21, followed by the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram starting October 29. CSA’s press release indicated that a thorough security evaluation was carried out by their Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, a Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative from the South African Cricketers’ Association, leading to the green light for the series. The South African team, known as the Proteas Men, is slated to arrive in Dhaka on October 16, ahead of their first Test against Bangladesh. The announcement of the squad is expected to be made later today. Moreover, the Dhaka Test might signify the conclusion of Shakib Al Hasan’s illustrious career in Test cricket, as he has expressed a desire to retire at his home ground in Dhaka. His safety concerns have been addressed by the interim government’s sports advisor following recent events. Currently, Bangladesh is contending with India in a Test series, having lost the first match, while South Africa recently completed a successful series against the West Indies, winning 1-0.
In the wake of recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, which included protests that led to the resignation of the Awami League government and the flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, international sporting engagements have been significantly impacted. This unrest prompted shifts in scheduled events, including the relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to the UAE. However, the favorable security assessments conducted by Cricket South Africa have allowed South Africa to proceed with their anticipated tour, making them the first country to do so post-crisis. This tour is critical not just for maintaining international cricketing ties but also for restoring confidence in Bangladesh as a safe venue for international sports events.
The upcoming tour of Bangladesh by South Africa represents a pivotal moment in the realm of international cricket following a politically turbulent period in the region. The series of two Tests is contingent upon successful security evaluations, assuring both safety and stability. Furthermore, this tour carries significant implications, as it may coincide with the retirement of one of Bangladesh’s finest cricketers, Shakib Al Hasan. As cricket resumes in the country, it will serve as a crucial indicator of the overall recovery and stability of sports engagements in Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.cricket.com
