Lack of performance on the field and a storm of criticism off it—Bangladesh cricket is going through a turbulent phase. The team management’s decisions are being questioned, and the coaching staff are also facing scrutiny. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now determined to bring stability back to the national team as soon as possible.
As part of that effort, Nazmul Hossain Shanto has once again been named captain for the new cycle of the World Test Championship. After being removed from the ODI captaincy in June, Shanto had himself announced that he would no longer lead the Test side. From the beginning, he had disagreed with the board’s decision to have three different captains for the three formats.
When news broke that Shanto might step down, the BCB tried unsuccessfully to contact him. Later, before the Test series in Sri Lanka, he officially announced his decision to relinquish the Test captaincy. While Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were discussed as potential replacements, the board eventually decided to keep Shanto in charge.
According to BCB sources, Vice President Faruque Ahmed was assigned to persuade Shanto. The two reportedly talked for about an hour, during which Shanto expressed disappointment over losing the ODI captaincy. However, after being assured of full freedom in leading the Test team, he agreed to continue as captain.
BCB’s head of cricket operations, Nazmul Abedin, said, “We believe Shanto has the intelligence and leadership ability to guide the Test team forward. He’s also one of the team’s top performers.”
For now, Shanto will only continue as Test captain. Some within the board believe that removing him abruptly and appointing Miraz as ODI captain was a mistake. They now want to avoid making another error by removing Miraz, fearing it could deepen instability in the team.
Shanto reportedly understands the situation and has shared his concerns with the board about the team’s internal unrest. He has sought the board’s support in creating a more positive dressing room culture. In a statement released by the BCB announcing his continuation as Test captain, Shanto said, “It’s truly an honor to continue leading Bangladesh’s Test team. I’m grateful for the trust and confidence the board has shown in my leadership.”
Meanwhile, the coaching staff are also under fire. Several directors have expressed dissatisfaction over frequent changes in the batting order. The issue was discussed at a recent meeting attended by four former cricketers who are part of the board. However, for now, the BCB has decided to remain patient and avoid any abrupt changes.
Still, BCB’s Nazmul Abedin indicated that changes could come if deemed necessary. “It’s a continuous process,” he said. “Just as we regularly evaluate players and make changes when required, the same applies to the coaching staff—whether it’s the head coach or the batting, bowling, or fielding coaches. It’s not beyond our monitoring.”
In conclusion, restoring calm and stability to the national team’s dressing room is now the BCB’s top priority.