Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on February 12 (Monday) named Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain in all formats with few months to go in T20 World Cup 2024. As per BCB president Nazmul Hasan, Shanto has been given the responsibility for a year.
Earlier, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was expected to lead Bangladesh in the mega event in June. The decision came after Shakib informed the board about the condition of his left eye which impacted his vision.
Last year, Shakib announced that he would give up the ODI captaincy after World Cup 2023 in India. He had not expressed an interest in leading the Test side either. However, he was keen to lead the side in the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
Shanto’s first assignment as designated all-format captain will be against Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan side will play three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests starting March 4.
Shanto’s record as captain so far
In the absence of Shakib, Shanto has led Bangladesh in two Tests, six ODIs, and three T20Is. Bangladesh have won one game in each format in his leadership.
The 25-year-old’s greatest achievement yet as captain came in December 2023. Against New Zealand, he scored a century in the second innings to help Bangladesh beat New Zealand by 150 runs. This was Bangladesh's maiden home Test win against New Zealand.
Shanto’s poor run in BPL 2024
However, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, he has struggled with the bat in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024. He has scored 130 runs from nine innings. His season-best score of 36 came in Sylhet Strikers' opening game against Chattogram Challengers.
Major changes in Bangladesh’s selection committee
In addition, BCB announced Gazi Ashraf Hossain as the new chief selector. He will be replaced by Minhajul Abedin who was the chief selector for the senior men's side for a long period of eight years. Habibul Bashar has left his post as a selector as well. Hannan Sarkar has been named as his replacement.
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