Shakib’s farewell confirmed, named in Bangladesh squad for Dhaka Test

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) senior men’s selection committee announced the squad for the first Test against South Africa, starting October 21. In the squad announced on October 16 (Wednesday), Shakib Al Hasan has also been included, which means that he will get his desired farewell Test match in Dhaka. 

Shakib, who had announced during the Kanpur Test against India that the Dhaka Test against South Africa would be his last in the red-ball format, was in danger of missing playing his final Test in his country because of his stand during the student protests engulfed the country for the better part of May, June and July months. 

However, after he clarified his stand, he was given assurance by the BCB that he could safely play his farewell Test in Dhaka. Shakib has already announced his retirement from T20Is and after the Dhaka Test, will only be playing ODIs for his country. 

The series will also mark the first assignment for interim coach Phil Simmons who has been handed the team’s command after the sacking of previous coach Chandika Hathurusinghe. 

Bangladesh have not had a great outing in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 so far. After a solitary win against New Zealand at home, they won the historic away series against Pakistan 2-0 but lost a series in India by the same margin, They had been beaten 0-2 by Sri Lanka at home as well and are currently lying seventh on the nine-team points table.

The Proteas on the other hand are fifth on the table after a 1-1 draw against India, 0-2 loss to New Zealand and 1-0 win against West Indies.

The Bangladesh squad has just one change from the team that toured India. Fast bowler Khalid Ahmed has been rested, and Nayeem Hasan has been included. The squad for the second Test in Chattogram will be announced later. 

Bangladesh Squad for Dhaka Test

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

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