The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is optimistic about hosting South Africa for an upcoming Test series after receiving positive feedback from a visiting delegation from Cricket South Africa (CSA). The delegation appeared satisfied with the security arrangements for the tour, which remains contingent on final security approval.
Previously, Cricbuzz had reported that Bangladesh was slated to host South Africa for two Test matches, pending security clearances, following the ICC’s decision to move the Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE due to political unrest.
A four-member delegation from CSA arrived in Dhaka on September 21 and visited Chattogram, where one of the Test matches will be held. They also inspected the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday, evaluating the facilities and observing security protocols conducted by Bangladesh’s security forces.
According to Shahriar Nafees, BCB's cricket operations manager, the delegation expressed their satisfaction with the preparations. He mentioned that the South African officials thanked the BCB and local security forces for organising everything efficiently. The delegation is expected to submit a final report to CSA after returning home, while BCB completes its internal preparations.
Nafees explained that the delegation had concerns regarding the political unrest and came to assess the current situation and security protocols. Although Bangladesh lost the hosting rights for the Women's T20 World Cup, this visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate the BCB’s security measures.
The delegation included former South African all-rounder Farhaan Behardien, now cricket operations and player engagement manager at SACA, along with three CSA officials. They also visited the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Sunday for a similar review.
Meetings were held between BCB officials and security agencies, including the Bangladesh Army, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), to further discuss security protocols.
South Africa is set to arrive in Bangladesh on October 16, with the first Test scheduled in Dhaka from October 21 and the second Test in Chattogram beginning on October 29.