Najmul Hossain Shanto has been reappointed as the Test captain of Bangladesh for a period of two years over the current WTC cycle. The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed his return as the skipper before the upcoming two-match Test series against Ireland, which is starting on November 11 in Sylhet. He had stepped down this year after Bangladesh were defeated by Sri Lanka.
Speaking about his comeback, Shanto said, “I feel truly honoured to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team and I am very grateful to the Board for the faith and trust they have shown in my captaincy.”
The 27 year-old, who initially took over as the Test captain in 2023, noted that he feels proud of captaining his country in Test cricket. “Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to repay the responsibility that has been entrusted to me,” he told.
Under his captaincy, Bangladesh have played 14 Tests matches, with them winning four of those games, losing nine and drawing one. One of his best results as the Test captain came in the 2024 Test series in Pakistan, where Bangladesh posted a historic 2-0 series win.
Meanwhile, BCB president Aminul Islam praised Shanto for his composure and understanding of the game. “Shanto has shown composure, commitment and a deep understanding of Test cricket. Under his leadership, we have seen growth and belief in the team. The Board feels that continuity in leadership will serve us well as we move forward in this new Test Championship cycle.”
Bangladesh are currently seventh on the WTC points table. Incidentally, the upcoming Tests against Ireland aren’t part of the WTC cycle.
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