Picture Credit: X
Bangladesh’s all-format captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto is likely to step down as the captain after the conclusion of the South Africa Test series. Shanto took the helm in February 2024 for a period of one year, which runs until the Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan in February-March 2025, but with four months remaining, the 26-year-old has decided to quit captaincy.
According to reports quoting Cricbuzz, Shanto has communicated his decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). However, if reports are to be believed, the cricket board has not accepted his resignation yet with BCB President, Faruque Ahmed traveling abroad.
Najmul Hossain Shanto likely to quit Bangladesh captaincy
As per reports quoting Cricbuzz, the BCB President is currently abroad and will make his decision on the same after his return. Meanwhile, in his absence a BCB official confirmed the development with the skipper also opening up on his decision as he awaits the final decision. “Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series,” an official told Cricbuzz.
“Let's see what happens (as far as leading Bangladesh is concerned) because I am still waiting to hear it from the President (BCB),” Shanto further mentioned. The reports have further revealed that the 26-year-old wanted to relieve T20I captaincy duties after the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies in June, but then changed his mind to quit captaincy across formats.
Recalling his stats at the helm, Shanto has led Bangladesh in nine Test matches, losing six of them. The numbers remain the same in the 50-over format, whereas in T20Is, Shanto has led Bangladesh to 24 games, winning only ten of them. With Shanto set to let go Bangladesh captaincy, if reports are to be believed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to take over the reigns as the new Test and ODI captain.
