Shakib closer to signing off at home after being picked for first SA Test

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has set the stage for Shakib Al Hasan's farewell from Test cricket, naming the veteran all-rounder in their 15-man squad for the first Test against South Africa in the city, reports Cricbuzz.

The squad is largely unchanged from the one that toured India, with pacer Khaled Ahmed being the only omission.

Shakib recently announced his T20I retirement in Kanpur and expressed a desire to retire from Test cricket at his home ground in Dhaka. However, logistical challenges arose due to his involvement with the fallen Awami League regime and accusations of ties to a murder case. The situation was resolved after Shakib apologised for his silence during student protests and appealed for public support for his final Test.

After the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram, Bangladesh will depart for the UAE to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan the following day. Since Shakib is still a part of the ODI setup, he is expected to travel with the team, ensuring a smooth exit from the country.

The first Test of the series, which starts on October 21, will also mark the first assignment at the helm for interim coach Phil Simmons, who takes over from the now-suspended and soon-to-be-terminated Chandika Hathurusingha.