Who Will Be Bangladesh’s Next Test Captain?
That’s the million-dollar question hovering over Bangladesh cricket right now. Since the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka in 2024, the position of Test captain has remained vacant. Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from the role in June and was later relieved of his ODI captaincy duties as well.
With the home Test series against Ireland fast approaching in early November, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faces a crucial decision: appointing a new leader for the red-ball side. Bangladesh are scheduled to play two Tests against Ireland, marking their return to the longer format after several months.
Multiple names have emerged as front-runners for the Test captaincy. Among them, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Mominul Haque are considered the leading candidates.
On October 23, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul addressed reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium press box in Mirpur, saying:
“For Test cricket, we have a clear policy. Several discussions will take place among the board, selectors, and senior coaching staff to identify the most suitable candidate. The player chosen must also agree to take on the role. After that, everyone will meet to make the final decision.”
According to The Daily Times of Bangladesh, BCB’s Cricket Operations Chairman, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, recently approached former Test skipper Shanto about a possible return to leadership. However, sources close to the matter confirmed that Shanto declined the offer. Veteran batter Mominul Haque remains in contention, while current ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has also been mentioned as a dark horse for the role.
Meanwhile, T20I captain Litton Das has yet to be contacted about the position. Speaking to the media before the T20I series opener against the West Indies in Chattogram, Litton said he had not received any formal approach from the board.
At the pre-match press conference held at the Bir Sreshtha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, he told reporters:
“It’s very difficult. So far, I don’t know anything about it. If they feel I’m capable, obviously they will have a conversation with me.”
When asked whether he would accept the Test captaincy if offered, Litton added:
“Let’s see what their decision is. Of course, captaining the Test side is a big achievement for any player. I don’t think anyone would say no to it. But so far, I haven’t heard anything from the cricket board.”
Litton, who had been in fine form earlier in the year, suffered a side strain during the Asia Cup and missed two white-ball series against Afghanistan in the UAE. The ongoing T20I series against the West Indies marks his return to international cricket.
Before his injury, Litton led Bangladesh to three consecutive series victories against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. During his absence, Jaker Ali Anik captained the side against Afghanistan, guiding Bangladesh to a 3–0 clean sweep.