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South Africa To Play Two Tests in Bangladesh; CSA Expresses Confidence In Security Plans

BCB confident as South African delegation praises security (X)BCB confident as South African delegation praises security (X)

Amidst political unrest and heightened security concerns, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is optimistic about successfully hosting South Africa for a two-Test series in October. A visiting delegation from Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently completed a thorough inspection of the facilities and security protocols, expressing satisfaction with the arrangements.

CSA Delegation Satisfied with Inspections

The BAN vs SA series, scheduled to start in Dhaka on October 21, comes after Bangladesh lost the hosting rights to the Women's T20 World Cup, which was moved to the UAE due to security concerns. Despite the earlier setback, the BCB is now pulling out all the stops to ensure South Africa's safe and smooth tour.

Shahriar Nafees, BCB’s cricket operations manager, expressed confidence after accompanying the CSA delegation, which included former South African cricketer Farhaan Behardien, now serving as cricket operations and player engagement manager at the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA). Nafees shared that the visiting team was pleased with the preparations made under challenging circumstances.

The CSA delegation, comprising four members, inspected the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur and the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, where the second Test is scheduled to take place.

During their visit, the South African representatives reviewed the security arrangements, facilities, and general preparedness of the venues. According to Nafees, the delegation observed security drills conducted by local forces, giving them confidence that Bangladesh is fully prepared for the series.

Despite initial doubts, the delegation’s response has been a feather in BCB’s cap.

"As much as I could gather from their conversations, they are very satisfied. They thanked the BCB and the security forces for arranging everything in such a short time," Nafees told reporters, giving a glimmer of hope to fans eager for international cricket on home soil.

With the delegation's report pending submission, all eyes are now on CSA's final call.

BCB's Determination to Overcome Challenges

The BCB has left no stone unturned in its efforts to host South Africa, conducting meetings with the Bangladesh Army, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) to bolster security.

The Test series, which will be South Africa’s first in Bangladesh since 2015, is a crucial opportunity for the hosts to showcase their ability to handle international cricket despite the political turmoil in the country.

As South Africa prepares to arrive on October 16, the BCB remains determined to keep its house in order. While the ICC's decision to shift the Women's T20 World Cup was a hard pill to swallow, the upcoming Test series represents a chance for redemption. With security being their top priority, the BCB is now waiting for the final green light from CSA.