Cricket South Africa has confirmed that South Africa will become the first international cricket team to tour Bangladesh following the political unrest that led to the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Two Test matches are scheduled in October, with security assessments having cleared the tour. This visit also holds significance as it may be the last for Shakib Al Hasan in Test cricket.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on September 30 that South Africa will be the first international cricket team to tour Bangladesh following the recent political turmoil in the country. This tour is part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Program (FTP) and will feature two Test matches. The decision to proceed with the tour came after a thorough security assessment conducted by CSA’s security team, which deemed the conditions in Bangladesh satisfactory. The first Test is scheduled to commence on October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, followed by the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram starting October 29. Notably, this marks the first overseas sports team’s visit since a violent student protest led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and her subsequent departure from the country. As a result of the unrest, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was relocated from Bangladesh to the UAE. CSA detailed that a security assessment was carried out involving the Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative from the South African Cricketers’ Association. Based on their recommendations after an inspection visit to Bangladesh, CSA has approved the series. The South African team, known as the Proteas, is expected to arrive in Dhaka on October 16, prior to the first Test match, with their squad announcement anticipated later that day. An important aspect of this series is that it may signify the conclusion of the Test career for Bangladesh’s esteemed all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has expressed a desire to retire at his home ground in Dhaka. Earlier concerns regarding his security were addressed by the interim government’s sports advisor on September 29. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s cricket team is currently touring India and has faced challenges, suffering a loss in the first Test of their series. In contrast, South Africa last competed in a Test series against the West Indies, where they emerged victorious with a 1-0 result.
The announcement of South Africa’s tour to Bangladesh comes in the wake of significant political instability within Bangladesh. The recent protests led to a considerable upheaval, resulting in the ousting of the Awami League government and prompting international sporting events, such as the Women’s T20 World Cup, to be relocated due to security concerns. As international teams cautiously navigate the winds of political change, this tour by South Africa represents a significant step toward restoring normalcy and engagement in international cricket within Bangladesh. The security assessments conducted by CSA highlight the importance of ensuring player safety in light of the recent unrest, which has affected both athletes and sports governance in the region.
In summary, South Africa’s upcoming tour to Bangladesh marks a pivotal moment in the reinstatement of international cricket following the nation’s political upheaval. With security measures in place and assessments deemed satisfactory, the matches are set to proceed, providing a platform for cricketing talent amidst a backdrop of social and political change. The historic nature of this tour is further underscored by the potential retirement of Shakib Al Hasan, a celebrated all-rounder in the Bangladesh team.
Original Source: www.cricket.com
