Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been named as the replacement for all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in their squad for the first Test against South Africa next week, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Friday.
Shakib, who has been under scrutiny for his silence during recent deadly protests in Bangladesh, had previously expressed doubts about returning home for what was expected to be his farewell Test. The 37-year-old cricketer, also a former member of parliament, had apologized for his silence and urged fans to attend his final Test match. However, the BCB confirmed that Shakib will not be participating in the Test scheduled at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, starting Monday.
Hasan Murad, 23, who has taken 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches since his debut in 2021, will take Shakib’s place in the squad. The BCB acknowledged Shakib’s significance to the team but expressed confidence in Murad’s ability to perform, especially in home conditions.
“We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test,” the BCB said in a statement. “Shakib’s experience is irreplaceable, but Hasan Murad has shown consistent performance in first-class cricket and will provide balance to our bowling lineup.”
Shakib, widely regarded as the greatest cricketer in Bangladesh’s history, announced his intention to retire from Test cricket in September. Over his career, he played 71 Tests, 247 One-Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 Internationals, scoring 14,730 runs and taking 712 wickets, securing his legacy as one of the leading all-rounders of his era.
Bangladesh Squad for First Test Against South Africa:
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.
This will be a critical Test for Bangladesh as they adjust to life without Shakib, with Murad eager to make his mark on the international stage.
