Najmul Hossain Shanto has been confirmed to remain as the Bangladesh Test team captain until the end of the current 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, as announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday. This decision puts an end to recent speculations surrounding the Test captaincy. Following the conclusion of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in June, Shanto initially declared his intent to step down from his position.
There were rumors suggesting that Shanto resigned due to feeling uninformed when he lost the ODI captaincy shortly before the team’s departure to Sri Lanka. However, recent developments have seen a thaw in the relationship between Shanto and the Board, leading to an agreement for him to continue leading Bangladesh in Test matches.
Taking over the Test captaincy in 2023, Shanto has overseen 14 Test matches, guiding Bangladesh through a period of consistent progress and competitiveness in the format. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul expressed the Board’s confidence in the 27-year-old batter’s leadership qualities and strategic outlook for Bangladesh’s red-ball cricket.
Bulbul stated, “Shanto has demonstrated composure, dedication, and a profound understanding of Test cricket. His leadership has fostered team growth and confidence. The Board believes that maintaining continuity in leadership will be beneficial as we navigate through this new Test Championship cycle.”
In response, Shanto expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored to continue captaining the Bangladesh Test team, and I appreciate the Board’s faith and belief in my leadership. Leading my country in Test cricket is a source of immense pride for me. I am committed to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to me.”
He added, “It is a privilege to lead a team brimming with talent and potential. I am optimistic about the upcoming season and look forward to the series against Ireland later this month, which marks the beginning of a crucial and eventful period for Bangladesh Test cricket.”