Hasan Murad Named to Replace Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh has named uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad as a replacement for veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has withdrawn from the first Test against South Africa due to security concerns stemming from political unrest in Bangladesh. Shakib, who announced his retirement from international cricket last month, cited safety as the reason for his decision not to return home, having been a target of public anger linked to his past political affiliations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Shakib's experience but expressed confidence in Murad's potential, highlighting his impressive domestic performance with 136 wickets in 30 first-class matches since his debut in 2021. The first Test is set to begin on October 21st at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. Shakib's situation reflects the broader political turmoil in Bangladesh, where he faces public backlash after the recent revolution against the Awami League government. Meanwhile, the BCB remains focused on the upcoming series, emphasizing the importance of balancing their bowling attack with home conditions in mind.