South Africa becomes first country to tour Bangladesh after political upheaval

South Africa will become the first country to tour Bangladesh after the political turmoil in the South Asian nation, confirmed Cricket South Africa (CSA) on September 30 (Monday). 

The tour, which is part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) designed Future Tours Program (FTP) will consist of two Tests. It will go on as per schedule after the CSA’s security assessment team is satisfied with the conditions in Bangladesh. 

This will be the first visit by any overseas sports team after the bloody student protest led toppling of the Awami League government where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country. The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was shifted to UAE from Bangladesh after that political unrest. 

The first Test will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from October 21 onwards while the second Test will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from October 29 onwards. 

“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,” CSA said in a press release. 

“The Proteas Men will arrive in Dhaka on 16 October, ahead of their first Test match against Bangladesh. The squad will be announced later today,” it further added. 

The Dhaka Test might mark the end of Bangladesh’s greatest all-format all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s Test career. He had earlier announced ahead of the Kanpur Test against India that he would like to hang his boots at his home ground of Dhaka. 

Shakib’s security concerns back home in Bangladesh were earlier addressed by the country’s interim government’s sports advisor on Septmeber 29 (Sunday).

While Bangladesh are currently on a tour of India and struggling in the second Test having lost the first one, South Africa’s last Test series was against West Indies which they won 1-0. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here