BAN vs SA: Shakib Al Hasan to Miss Farewell Test Due to Protests at Home, Replacement Named

Bangladesh has named a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, who has confirmed his unavailability for the upcoming first Test against South Africa in Mirpur, scheduled to start on Monday (October 21).

Shakib had announced his intention to retire from Test cricket in September during the tour to India, but the all-rounder was added to the Test squad to play a farewell Test in front of the home fans.

However, the veteran all-rounder had said he is almost certain he will not be returning home for a farewell Test match against South Africa next week with public anger over his silence on the deadly protests in the country.

The 37-year-old apologised for his silence last week and asked the fans to be present for his final Test at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. He has been away from home since the protests erupted in July.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had assured him of safety when he returns to the country for the Test in Mirpur. But a group known as "Mirpur Chhatro Janata" informed the BCB that they will protest Shakib's appearance in the stadium if he is involved in the Test.

Who will replace Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh Test squad vs South Africa?

The BCB on Friday (October 21) confirmed that the veteran all-rounder will indeed miss the 1st Test and will be replaced by Hasan Murad, a left-arm spinner, who is uncapped at the Test level. Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the Chairman of BCB National Selection Panel made the announcement.

"We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that caliber with both bat and the ball to replace him."

Hasan Murad has taken 136 wickets in his 30 first-class matches since his debut back in 2021. He made his white-ball debut for Bangladesh at the Asian Games in 2023 where he featured in two T20I's.

"Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level." stated Gazi Ashraf Hossain.

Bangladesh faces South Africa at home in a two-match Test series, with the first Test starting on October 21st at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Here is a look at the updated squad:

Bangladesh squad for 1st Test vs South Africa

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (wicketkeeper), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad.