The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday for the first match of the two-Test series against visiting South Africa, with ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan included in the lineup.
During just late India tour, Shakib expressed his desire to retire from Test cricket by playing his final match against South Africa at Mirpur.
Despite some initial uncertainty due to political circumstances, Shakib's wish will now be fulfilled allowing him to play his last Test match at his favorite venue.
There had been initial tension surrounding Shakib's return to Bangladesh, with BCB President Faruque Ahmed and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan raising concerns due to his political connections with the previous government.
The sports advisor had called on Shakib to clarify his political stance. Recently, Shakib shared a message on Facebook expressing regret for his silence during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Following this, the Sports Advisor said there's no longer had any issues with Shakib's return to the country and resumption of his cricketing duties.
Shakib's illustrious Test career, which began in Chittagong against India in May 2007, will come to an end at Mirpur after more than 17 years. His rich career filled with milestones and records, will conclude at 72 Tests leaving an indelible mark on Bangladesh cricket and global Test history.
The two-Test series against South Africa will commence on October 21 at Mirpur, with the second and final Test beginning on October 29 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.
Despite a disappointing performance in India, Bangladesh has retained most of the squad, with the exception of pacer Sayed Khaled Ahmed, who has been dropped without a replacement.
Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana.
