Shakib Al Hasan named in Bangladesh squad for farewell Test against South Africa

Shakib Al Hasan has been named in the Bangladesh squad for their opening Test against South Africa to be held from October 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. After the opening Test against India in Chennai, Shakib talked about his desire to play his farewell Test in front of his home crowd.

But the Magura-born cricketer also talked about finding a safe pathway on his way back to Bangladesh amidst political tensions in the country. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, an advisor to the Bangladesh interim government, had earlier said that Shakib needed to clear his political stance.

Later, Shakib issued a public apology after facing murder charges while being on the tour of Pakistan earlier this year. The 37-year-old also came under fire for his underwhelming performance on the tour of India where he also announced his retirement from T20Is.

Shakib also said that he desired to play ODIs



until the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025 before taking a call on his ODI career.

For the series against the Proteas, Bangladesh made only a solitary change, dropping fast bowler Khaled Ahmed, who had replaced Taskin Ahmed for the Kanpur Test.

Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam remain as their openers with the likes of Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto taking charge of the middle-order.

Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan and Nayeem Hasan are their other spinners, with Shakib as another option. Taskin, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana form the pace-bowling attack.

Bangladesh squad for 1st Test against South Africa

Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana