A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said on Friday (September 13) that the two-match Test series against South Africa is expected to take place in Dhaka and Chattogram respectively. However, BCB officials stated that they are hopeful that the series which is part of the ICC World Test Championship, will begin as per schedule even though doubts were raised due to the political unrest in the country.

However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is likely to sit with the South African Cricketers Association (SACA) before making a final decision regarding their upcoming tour as well. It is understood that there are no security concerns regarding the tour. An additional factor that might favour the series to be played is that South Africa’s government has not issued travel advice against visiting Bangladesh as well.

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya shares happiness after winning back the love of fans

However, BCB had prepared a draft itinerary for the series, and according to it, the tourists will reach Bangladesh on October 16. South Africa will play the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka from October 21 whereas the second Test is slated to be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from October 29. The tourists will depart on November 3 as well.

“We are hopeful that the tour will commence as per schedule and we will officially announce it in the coming days,” a BCB official told Cricbuzz on Friday.

However, recently the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was shifted from Bangladesh to UAE due to the political unrest in the country while the New Zealand A team’s tour to Bangladesh was also rescheduled as well.