Bangladesh Drop Khaled Ahmed for First Test Against South Africa; Shakib Al Hasan to Play Final Test Series

Bangladesh has announced their squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, with fast bowler Khaled Ahmed being the only player left out from the 16-man group that toured India in September and October.

Khaled, who played only the second Test in Kanpur, failed to make an impact, bowling just four overs and conceding 43 runs without picking up a wicket. As a result, the selectors opted to exclude him for the home series.

The series, which kicks off on October 21 in Mirpur, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh under interim coach Phil Simmons. Simmons took charge after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to remove Chandika Hathurusinghe from the position for disciplinary reasons. Simmons, a seasoned coach with vast international experience, joined the squad on Wednesday, just in time for the preparations.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to captain the side, supported by seasoned campaigners like Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mominul Haque, while promising talents such as Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy provide the squad with youthful energy. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will lead the pace attack, while spinners Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam will play key roles on Bangladesh’s spin-friendly tracks.

Bangladesh, currently seventh on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, will be aiming for a strong showing against South Africa, who sit fifth. Bangladesh had an impressive 2-0 win against Pakistan earlier this year but suffered a 2-0 defeat in India. South Africa, on the other hand, comes into the series after a narrow 1-0 series win in the West Indies in August, making them tough opponents.

Shakib’s Last

Shakib Al Hasan is set for his last appearance in Test cricket in front of the home crowd as the venerable all-rounder was named in Bangladesh’s squad for the first match against South Africa, starting here on Monday.

Before the second and final Test against India at Kanpur, Shakib had expressed his wish to play his final Test at home against South Africa, provided the Bangladesh Cricket Board was able to ensure his safety.

Shakib has been accused of being involved in the murder of a student but the Bangladesh veteran was taking part in a T20 league in Canada at the time of the incident.

However, Faruque Ahmed, the new president of the BCB had rejected Shakib’s request saying the board was not a security agency and could not guarantee any cover for him.

The sports advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government Asif Mahmud said that Shakib would be provided security once his political stance was clear.

Shakib in return had issued an unconditional apology for his silence during the civil unrest in Bangladesh, which saw the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people’s uprising,” Shakib wrote on his official Facebook page.

“While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, to those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical period, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologise.”

He also passed on a message to the Bangladesh fans.

“You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye with all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better,” he wrote.

“I want to meet the eyes of those who cheered in joy when I played well and whose eyes welled up with tears when I did not. I believe that at this farewell moment, you will all be with me. Together, we will close the story that, in truth, stars not me, but all of you,” Shakib added.

Bangladesh will depart for the UAE following the two-Test series against South Africa to take on Afghanistan in a three-match series.

Since Shakib is also a part of the ODI side, the squad’s departure would also ensure his exit from the country.

Bangladesh Squad for First Test Against South Africa:

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

(With inputs from Agencies)