The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is unclear who will be the team’s long-term captain. Shakib Al Hasan is currently the captain of the team as he took charge of the team ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023.
However, since the World Cup concluded, Shakib Al Hasan has not appeared for the team in any of the assignments. The all-rounder is recovering from an injury he suffered in the World Cup and has not yet fully recovered.
Despite being injured, Shakib Al Hasan has shown interest in politics. He is contesting the upcoming general election and has missed the two-Test series against New Zealand, followed by the ongoing white-ball series against the Kiwis in his own backyard.
In the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto has captained the team and has done a fantastic job. The left-hander led the team to a Test series draw against New Zealand and also under him, the team won the first T20I over the Kiwis in New Zealand.
With Shakib Al Hasan absent and Najmul Hossain Shanto doing a great job as captain, there has been a lot of speculation about who will captain the team. There have been several calls to give leadership to the latter but there is still no indication in this regard.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President of Cricket Operations Jalal Yusuf opened up about the same and stated that it is up to the latter to decide whether Shakib Al Hasan will captain the team or not. He explained (quoted by Daily Star):
“Look, if Shakib [Al Hasan] to be continue [as captain] or not is a question for later.” He added that they still consider the all-rounder as their skipper in all formats.
We will discuss it with him Shakib Al Hasan – Jalal Yunus
Jala Yunus further added that the decision to continue with Shakib Al Hasan as captain of the team will be made by the board. He added that they will discuss the same issue with the all-rounder and only after that they will take a decision. He explained:
“The final decision on whether Shakib will continue or Shanto will take over will be taken by the board. But obviously we will discuss it with him. [Shakib] and will try to know your position on the matter. And only after that can we know who will be the captain of the team in the long term.”
Shakib Al Hasan is expected to return to cricket soon. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation after the finger injury. It remains to be seen what his future will be as captain of the team.
Bangladesh is currently facing New Zealand in the T20I series. They won the first game in Napier by 5 wickets. The second match between the team was canceled due to rain. The third match between the teams will be played on December 31. It will be a great opportunity for them to win their first series against the Kiwis in the shortest format of the game.
