Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan during practice. — Reuters file
Controversial former captain Shakib Al Hasan is set to return home on Thursday for what he claims will be his final appearance in international cricket as Bangladesh hosts South Africa in a two-Test series. The series, which kicks off on October 21 in Mirpur, near the capital Dhaka, marks the first international cricket matches in Bangladesh since a student-led revolution ousted the autocratic prime minister. Sheikh Hasina escaped by helicopter to India on August 5 as protesters stormed her palace in Dhaka. According to Bangladesh's health ministry, over 700 people were killed in the unrest. The 37-year-old Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since the fall of Hasina's government, in which he served as a lawmaker. Earlier this month, he apologized for his silence during the revolution but defended his controversial decision to serve the regime that was overthrown. Shakib was participating in a domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in Canada when the regime collapsed. Although he has not returned to Bangladesh since, he has toured Pakistan and India with the team, with the approval of the interim government. Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket last month but expressed his desire to play one final Test series at home. In a recent Facebook post, he stated his wish to "say goodbye" to his fans and paid tribute to the students who lost their lives. The second Test will take place in the port city of Chittagong, also known as Chattogram, starting on October 29. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, has excluded fast bowler Khaled Ahmed from the squad for the South Africa series. The team otherwise remains consistent with the squad that achieved a significant 2-0 series sweep in Pakistan but also suffered a 2-0 defeat in India. Bangladesh begins the series under the interim coaching of Trinidadian former all-rounder Phil Simmons, as Chandika Hathurusingha was suspended on Tuesday for alleged misconduct. Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, 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.
