Shakib Al-Hasan To Miss Out On 'Farewell Test' In Mirpur vs SA, Bangladesh Names His Replacement

One of Bangladesh Cricket's most prolific cricketers, Shakib Al-Hasan, was supposed to play in his farewell match in Mirpur, Bangladesh. The veteran was also announced for the upcoming South Africa series. But just three days ahead of the series, it looks like Shakib will not be a part of it as he has not reported in Mirpur. The BCB has made a notable change and have replaced the veteran cricketer.  

Also Read: Resurrection after collapse: Kohli, Rohit, Sarfaraz fifties take India to 231/3 at close on Day 3

BCB Announce Replacement For Shakib Al-Hasan for South Africa Test Series

After being initially announced for the South Africa Test Series at home, all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan will not be seen in action in Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Shakib did not travel from Dubai to Dhaka due to security concerns in the region. The veteran was advised to not return to Bangladesh as threats of violent protests during the Mirpur Test were a high possibility.  

Due to the unavailability of Shakib Al-Hasan, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has named young left-arm spinner Hasan Murad as his replacement. The development comes to light just three days ahead of the Mirpur Test. Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chairman of the BCB's national election panel, acknowledged that Bangladesh lacks a suitable Shakib substitute but also praised Murad for his reliable performance in domestic cricket.

“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 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,” Gazi Ashraf Hossain said.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Double Centurion Sudharsan Plunders Delhi Bowlers As TN Score 379/1

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Shakib had expressed upon his return to Bangladesh for the Mirpur Test, saying that he was almost sure that he wasn't going back home. "I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home,” said the BAN veteran.

Revised Bangladesh squad for 1st Test vs South Africa

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