The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced Hasan Murad as the replacement for Shakib Al Hasan for the first Test match against South Africa, which is scheduled to be played in Dhaka from October 21. Shakib Al Hasan recently announced his retirement from Test cricket during Bangladesh's red-ball tour to India. However, he expressed a wish to play his farewell Test match against South Africa, scheduled to begin on October 21 at Mirpur. Shakib had previously shared concerns about his safety in Bangladesh, citing the unrest in the country. Since August 5, following the resignation of the ruling Awami League, several of its leaders have been detained, which has deepened Shakib’s fears about returning home. Also Read: Virat Kohli joins elite club as he reaches 9000 runs in Test cricket Meanwhile, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chairman of Bangladesh's national selection panel, addressed Shakib's absence from the squad. He also praised Hasan Murad’s consistent performances in domestic cricket, explaining why the team is placing their trust in him for the upcoming series against South Africa. Gazi Ashraf Hossain said: "We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test. He is at the end of his Test career but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him. However, Hasan Murad has performed consistently in first-class cricket and has been in our system. He will lend balance to our bowling, especially in home conditions. We believe he has the potential to deliver at this level.” Bangladesh squad for the first Test vs South Africa Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Zaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad