Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of Bangladesh's opening Test match against South Africa and has been replaced by Hasan Murad on Friday. The veteran all-rounder had previously announced his desire to retire from Test cricket after the first Test against the Proteas in Dhaka starting on October 21 but will not be available for his own farewell game.
The 37-year-old veteran hasn't been home since the violent riots took place to overthrow Sheikh Hasina-led government. The player has been associated with Hasina's political party and feared for his safety once he returns home.
Shakib, who last played a Test against India in Kanpur, expressed his desire to retire from the red-all cricket after the first Test against South Africa in Dhaka. He earlier asked for security from the PCB, but the board denied his request citing no authority over personnel protection.
PCB Chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed his unavailability for the first Test against South Africa and the inclusion of Hasan Murad as a replacement.
“We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test," the BCB chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain said. "He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him. However, 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.”
Bangladesh squad for First Test vs Bangladesh
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad.
