In a significant development for Bangladesh cricket, left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been named as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan in the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to take place in Mirpur. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced this on Friday, October 18.
Shakib was initially included in the squad for the match but was unable to travel due to security concerns and various complications. As a result, Murad, who has played two international T20 matches but is yet to make his Test debut, has been given the opportunity to showcase his talent. The 23-year-old spinner has taken 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches.
Shakib, a globally renowned all-rounder, had expressed his desire to play his final Test on home soil during the upcoming series against India. Despite prior assurances from the government regarding his safety while traveling, complications arose after Shakib landed in Dubai. Following incidents in Dhaka where his effigy was burned at the TSC, concerns about his security escalated, leading to his withdrawal from the flight back to Bangladesh. Reports suggest he has since returned to Dubai, though his current location remains unconfirmed.
The squad for the first Test includes:
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Zakir Hasan
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Sadman Islam
- Liton Kumar Das
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Muminul Haque
- Hasan Murad
- Mehedi Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Naim Hasan
- Nahid Rana
- Zakir Ali Onik
- Hasan Mahmud
- Taskin Ahmed.
This match is expected to be crucial for both teams as they kick off the series.
