Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down As Bangladesh Captain

Muskaan Bhatt∙ Updated: Jan 2 2025, 11:59 AM

Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down As Bangladesh Captain [Source: @BCBtigers/X]Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down As Bangladesh Captain [Source: @BCBtigers/X]

In an unexpected turn of events, Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as the captain of Bangladesh's national team in the T20I format. While these reports were floating all over the internet, the Bangladesh Cricket Board have now seemingly confirmed it.

The report by Cricbuzz stated that: 'Shanto was not keen on leading the side after the home series against South Africa. He initially decided to step down from captaincy duties only in the T20I format after the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the USA but subsequently decided to let go of the leadership role in all formats.'

However, it has been understood that despite BCB President Faruque Ahmed’s involvement, Shanto continued the role for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan where he unfortunately picked up an injury.

“Shanto finally told us that he won’t lead in the T20Is and we accepted it but as we don’t have T20Is at the moment, we have time in hand so we are not picking a new captain," a BCB official mentioned in the report. If there is no injury issue Najmul will remain the captain in Test and ODIs and we have discussed it," he said.

Since becoming captain, Shanto has led Bangladesh to three Test wins from 10 matches, four ODI wins from 11, and 10 T20I victories from 24. His captaincy has impacted his batting form, and stepping down could benefit both.

It has been understood that Litton Das could be considered for a long-term leadership role after leading Bangladesh to a 3-0 series win over the West Indies. However, Shanto will return as captain for the Champions Trophy 2025 with Mehedy Hasan potentially taking over as interim skipper for the West Indies’ 50-over and Test tour.