South Africa will be the first country to tour Bangladesh since recent political unrest led to a change in government. The tour includes two Tests, with the first in Dhaka on October 21 and the second in Chattogram on October 29. Security assessments were conducted prior to confirming the tour, amidst concerns for players, particularly regarding Shakib Al Hasan’s potential retirement at his home ground.
South Africa is set to become the first country to tour Bangladesh following the recent political turbulence in the South Asian nation, as announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on September 30. This tour, part of the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Program, comprises two Test matches and is scheduled to proceed contingent upon the approval of CSA’s security assessment team, which will evaluate the conditions in Bangladesh. This will mark the inaugural visit by any overseas sports team since the violent protests led to the ousting of the Awami League government, necessitating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country. In the aftermath of the unrest, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was relocated from Bangladesh to the UAE. The opening Test is slated to commence at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from October 21, followed by the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, starting October 29. CSA’s release noted that a thorough security assessment was carried out by their Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative from the South African Cricketers’ Association, leading to the series being green-lit based on their recommendations following a visit to Bangladesh. The Proteas Men are expected to arrive in Dhaka on October 16, prior to their first Test. The announcement of the squad is anticipated later today. Notably, this Test may signify the conclusion of Shakib Al Hasan’s illustrious Test career at his home ground, as he reportedly expressed a desire to retire there. Earlier, security issues regarding Shakib were addressed by the interim government’s sports advisor on September 29. Currently, Bangladesh is engaged in a challenging tour in India, having experienced defeat in the first Test of the series. Conversely, South Africa recently completed a Test series against West Indies, achieving a 1-0 victory.
The context for South Africa’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh is significantly marked by political instability within Bangladesh, specifically pertaining to a recent wave of protests that culminated in the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office. The unrest resulted in substantial changes within the governmental structure, including the relocation of high-profile sporting events such as the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. As the first overseas team to visit post-upheaval, South Africa’s tour signifies a key moment in both sporting and political contexts, necessitating extensive security assessments prior to its commencement.
In summary, South Africa’s tour of Bangladesh represents a pivotal development in the realm of international cricket, particularly in a climate of heightened political unrest in the host nation. The planned two-match Test series will not only be crucial for competitive cricket but also serves to restore confidence in international sports engagements within Bangladesh. With the tour set to take place amidst significant political undertones, both teams and officials will closely monitor the evolving situation to ensure safety and security during the matches.
Original Source: www.cricket.com
