Ahead of the World Cup hosted in India, Shakib Al Hasan had declared that he would not be leading the team in either One Day Internationals or Tests after the World Cup. With his absence following the World Cup, Nazmul Shanto took charge against New Zealand in the Test series in their grounds. He will also be leading the team in the three-match ODI series in New Zealand.
Responding to queries if Shanto would regularly lead the team in Shakib’s absence in ODIs, the BCB director and chairman of the cricket operations department, Jalal Yunus, clarified that there’s no reconsideration regarding Shakib’s captaincy at present. Shakib has been given the captaincy for a long time. He is still the captain in all three formats. There is no question of him not being the captain in the future.
Jalal Yunus also mentioned that there’s a race going on for the leadership role in the national team for the future with Shanto in contention. The BCB official also hinted at Miraz’s chances, stating, “There will be a time when Shakib won’t play anymore. He might reduce formats. We have Shanto and Miraz; they are promising. The board believes they have the ability to lead the country from the front.”
Shakib has conveyed to the media from the USA that he would prioritize the national team’s games over franchise leagues. His statement holds significant implications for Bangladesh cricket, as noted by the chairman of the cricket operations department of the BCB. He said, “This is a matter of joy. We want Shakib to carry on playing for the country in all formats.”
