South Africa set to decide on touring Bangladesh this week

Cricket South Africa is currently in discussion with the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA), as they are in talks about whether they will be touring Bangladesh for two Tests in October. The series, according to the Future Tours Programme, is set to begin on October 21, but due to the political tensions in the country, South Africa’s willingness to go is being discussed.

The side’s security checks are being completed, due to which a final decision on the matter is yet to be given. Recently, the Women’s T20 World Cup, which was slated to be held in Bangladesh, was moved out of the country due to the student riots and will now be held in the UAE. 

According to reports within the CSA, it has been informed that the situation in Bangladesh has calmed down and South Africa is hopeful of travelling to Bangladesh. However, should there be any risks in the security assessments, CSA will not tour the country. 

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Furthermore, a collective decision is expected to be made, which means that it will not depend on any individual player’s willingness to travel, and if a final decision is made, then everyone will have to abide by it. 

Currently, South Africa are placed in seventh place in the World Test Championship standings. With six Tests played, the Proteas have won two, lost three, and one has produced no result. The side has 29 points to its name and has only six Test matches left in the ongoing cycle. 

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They need to win at least five of their remaining six matches to have a shot at qualifying for the World Test Championship final in 2025. It is also worth noting that all six of the matches that South Africa have been a part of have been limited to two-match series, as CSA have been prioritising the launch of the SA20 and cost-cutting. 

Furthermore, after the Bangladesh series, the Proteas will be taking on Afghanistan and Ireland in a white-ball series.