Bangladesh veteran cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is set for his last Test match in front of his home ground as he was named in the squad for the first Test match against South Africa scheduled to start from October 21 to 25.
Prior to the second and final Test against India in Kanpur, Shakib expressed his desire to play his last Test at home against South Africa, contingent upon the Bangladesh Cricket Board ensuring his safety.
Khaled Ahmed is the only omission from the squad that recently toured India.
Shakib has faced allegations related to the murder of a student, but at the time of the incident, the veteran cricketer was participating in a T20 league in Canada.
Faruque Ahmed, the newly appointed president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), declined Shakib's request for security, stating that the board is not a security agency and cannot guarantee protection. Meanwhile, Asif Mahmud, the sports advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, mentioned that Shakib would receive security once his political position became clearer.
In response, Shakib issued an unconditional apology for his silence during the civil unrest in Bangladesh, which led to the removal 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 1st Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman lslam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.
