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"It's Not True That...": BCB Clears Air On Najmul Hossain Shanto Captaincy Controversy

Akshita Patel

BCB clears stance on ODI captaincy drama [Source: @BDCricTime/X.com]BCB clears stance on ODI captaincy drama [Source: @BDCricTime/X.com]

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has responded to the criticism surrounding the recent change in ODI captaincy. In a TV show, the board’s cricket operation chairman, Nazmul Abedin, said that Najmul Hossain Shanto was not removed and his term had simply ended after the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Many fans and cricket experts were surprised when Mehidy Hasan Miraz was named as the new ODI captain ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka. This decision led to criticism, especially because Shanto was not given an extension, and no formal announcement was made earlier. 

Some believe that Shanto was disappointed and even gave up the Test captaincy because of how the situation was handled.

BCB Operation Chief Denies Sacking Najmul Shanto As Captain

However, BCB’s cricket operations chairman, Nazmul Abedin, cleared the air during a talk show on Jamuna TV, aired on July 19. He explained that there was no active ODI captain after the Champions Trophy, which is why the board decided to name a new captain. 

"We did not have any ODI captain after the Champions Trophy. It is not true that Shanto was removed from his captaincy. In fact, there was no captain. Shanto might have assumed he would lead in the next series since he was the previous captain. There's nothing wrong in thinking that. But the board may have had other plans. Yes, the board could have appointed Shanto again, but that would have required a separate announcement," Abedin said.

He added that Shanto’s term ended but admitted that the board could have communicated the transition better to the ex-captain.

"As we did not have a captain at that time, there was no question of holding discussions with Shanto. A decision was taken in a meeting, and it was communicated to Shanto as he was the previous captain. Yes, there could have been a discussion with him, but it's not true that he was removed from captaincy. The captaincy decision was taken in a meeting, and it was my responsibility to inform both Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. There were no other terms or conditions involved. That's why I informed Shanto first," he added. 

The BCB hopes to move forward with Miraz as the new ODI captain, and while some may still question the timing and communication of the decision, the board insists that no disrespect was intended toward Shanto.

After Test, ODI, Shanto Sees Setback In T20Is

In a surprising move, Bangladesh have dropped Najmul Hossain Shanto from their T20I squad. He did not play in the series against Sri Lanka earlier this month and remains absent from the ongoing home series against Pakistan. Shanto, who stepped down from Test captaincy recently, has been struggling with form and has played just one T20I since. And it appears Bangladesh now intend to move on from him.