The two-match Test series against Bangladesh has been formally approved by Cricket South Africa (CSA), which is a big win for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The series, which kicks off on October 21, is a welcome development for Bangladesh’s international cricket scene, particularly in light of the previous Women’s T20 World Cup relocation and security concerns.
The series was approved after the BCB put forth great effort to make sure all safety requirements were satisfied to host South Africa.
Notwithstanding the security worries that surfaced following the Women’s T20 World Cup’s transfer, Bangladesh was eager to welcome South Africa.
In response, the BCB maintained its confidence in fulfilling all standards under the watchful eye of a security team assigned by the CSA.
The South African Cricketers’ Association delegate, the Operations Manager of CSA, the Team Security Manager, the Safety and Security Consultant, and others made up the security delegation.
Following a comprehensive on-site evaluation in Bangladesh, the team decided the nation qualified to host the series.
The director of the BCB, Nazmul Abedin, expressed relief that the CSA had confirmed the series.
Abedin said to *Cricbuzz* on September 30 that “naturally it is relieving that international cricket is returning to Bangladesh.”
He acknowledged that although there were worries, particularly following the decision to host the T20 World Cup, the BCB was certain that security measures were sufficient and that the situation in Bangladesh was under control.
Abedin continued, “There was a concern about how the world views us, but it is relieving now, considering the outside world also sees that we are a safe place to come.”
To encourage more international tours in the future, Abedin hopes that Bangladesh’s successful hosting of the South African series would further convince other cricketing nations about Bangladesh’s safety standards.
“If we can conduct it well, other teams will also feel assured coming here,” he stated. This Test series has the potential to open doors for the following tours and restore Bangladesh’s standing as a haven for international cricket.
In an official statement, CSA stated that the series had been approved based on their security team’s suggestions following their inspection visit to Bangladesh.
“CSA has given the series a go-ahead based on the recommendation made by the team post an in-loco inspection visit to Bangladesh,” the statement continued.
A few days before the first Test, scheduled for October 21–25, the South African team is anticipated to land in Dhaka on October 16.
From October 29 to November 2, Chattogram will host the second and final Test of the series.
Both teams have a great chance in this series as South Africa seeks to maintain its dominance on the international scene, and Bangladesh seeks to establish itself in Test cricket.
Bangladesh, keen to host international cricket matches again, can take heart from this development.
The BCB’s proactive initiatives and the resolution of security concerns make the two-match Test series against South Africa an essential occasion for the rebirth of international cricket in Bangladesh.
