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October 21, 2024
Khaled Ahmed has been dropped from the squad that toured India and Pakistan, marking a significant change in the Bangladesh cricket team’s lineup. The Bangladesh selectors have named Shakib Al Hasan in the Test squad for the first match against South Africa, signaling his return to the country for the first time since May. Shakib is expected to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday, giving him three days to prepare for what will be his final Test match.
Shakib announced his retirement during a match in Kanpur on September 26, expressing his desire to conclude his Test career at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. However, he has voiced concerns regarding his safety upon returning to Bangladesh, especially in light of the arrests of several Awami League leaders since August 5, when the government effectively resigned after 15 years in power. Notably, Shakib was a member of parliament from his hometown of Magura and is among 147 individuals named in an FIR related to an alleged murder during recent civil unrest.
While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stated they could not guarantee Shakib’s security, the interim government has reassured him multiple times that he is unlikely to face arrest. Despite the uncertainties, sports adviser Asif Mahmud suggested that the allrounder might benefit from addressing the ongoing student protests. Last week, Shakib took a step in that direction by posting an apology on Facebook, signaling his willingness to engage with the pressing issues affecting his country.
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Selector Hannan Sarkar confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan was included in the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa only after receiving clearance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He stated, “Shakib had expressed his desire to play his final Test at home. We also know that this was a government issue and a BCB issue. We sought the BCB’s clearance, so when they gave us the green signal that Shakib is available for selection, we picked him. We are proud to see our legend retiring from the home of cricket.”
In the squad, Shakib will be joined by three other spin-bowling options: Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan. Most players from the recent tours to Pakistan and India have been retained, with the notable exception of fast bowler Khaled Ahmed. Although he was selected for the Kanpur Test, he bowled only four overs in that match. Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan are expected to continue as openers, supported by Mahmudul Hasan Joy as their backup. Meanwhile, Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto are likely to remain at No. 3 and 4, respectively, especially after Mominul’s impressive century while batting at No. 3. The batting order will be further strengthened by seasoned players like Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy.
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Bangladesh is set to host South Africa for two Test matches, with the first one starting in Mirpur on October 21 and the second in Chattogram on October 29. This series also marks the first assignment for interim coach Phil Simmons, who joined the team on Wednesday after the BCB dismissed Chandika Hathurusinghe for disciplinary reasons. Currently, Bangladesh ranks seventh in the World Test Championship points table, having achieved a 2-0 victory in Pakistan followed by a 2-0 defeat in India.
In contrast, South Africa holds the fifth position in the World Test Championship standings, having recently won a two-Test series against the West Indies 1-0 in August. Both teams will be looking to make a significant impact in this upcoming series, with Bangladesh aiming to improve its position in the championship and South Africa hoping to build on its recent successes.
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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