On Saturday, November 1, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto as their Test captain after a sudden upheaval in the side. As per the latest update, the 27-year-old will continue to lead the Bangladesh side in red-ball cricket until the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle, returning at helm just months after stepping down from the role
Notably, Shanto was previously the skipper of Bangladesh across formats but stepped from Test captaincy following the side’s series defeat against Sri Lanka in June this year. However, after recent discussions with the senior members of the board, the 27-year-old has been reinstated as the captain at least until the end of the ongoing WTC cycle.
Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life : Najmul Hossain Shanto
Speaking after being named
as the skipper of Test side, Shanto expressed, "I feel truly honoured to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team and I am very grateful to the board for the faith and trust they have shown in my captaincy . " "Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to repay the responsibility that has been entrusted to me ,” he added.
"It is a joy to lead a team that has so much talent and potential, and I believe we have an exciting and positive season ahead. We are looking forward to the upcoming series against Ireland later this month, which marks the start of a busy and important period for Bangladesh Test cricket , " he further addressed.
Notably, Shanto first took charge in 2023 and guided Bangladesh to four Test wins in 14 matches, including a 2-0 win against Pakistan in 2024. However, series of dismal outings and inconsistent performances by the team, he stepped down. Moreover, the decision comes just ahead of the two-match Test series where Bangladesh will host Ireland. Currently, Bangladesh are seventh in the WTC 2025-27 cycle having registered one draw and one defeat in two Test matches.
