Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s cricketing legends, is unavailable for the first home Test against South Africa, raising questions about the end of his illustrious Test career. Shakib, scheduled for his farewell game, traveled from New York to Dhaka earlier this week but faced delays during his transit in Dubai on Wednesday. Amid ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh and protests against him, Shakib expressed uncertainty about returning home. The selectors initially included Shakib in the Test squad, but they have now replaced him with uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad for the Test starting on October 21 in Dhaka.
Shakib has not been to Bangladesh since August, when the Awami League government, of which he is a member of parliament, resigned. Following a series of international commitments, including a stint in Canada for the Global T20 and county cricket in the UK, Shakib has been staying in New York. Ongoing safety concerns compound his absence, as authorities named him in an FIR regarding an alleged murder during the political unrest.
Hasan Murad, 23, who has taken 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches since 2021, steps in as Shakib’s replacement. The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s selection panel chairman, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, praised Murad for his consistent first-class performances and expects him to bring balance to the team, especially in home conditions. The second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will take place in Chattogram starting October 29.
