For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Najmul Hossain Shanto has hinted at stepping down as the captain of Bangladesh’s Test team after the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
He has reportedly been in a complicated relationship with the national team management, which is now poised to enter a new chapter, UNB reports.
Quoting multiple sources close to the in-form batter, Cricbuzz, an international cricket news outlet, reported on Monday that Najmul has already made up his mind, and is expected to inform his decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after the ongoing series.
He played a captain’s knock, smashing centuries in both innings of the just-concluded opening Test match against Sri Lanka that ended in a draw.
Whether an announcement will be made immediately after the second Test in Colombo or later will depend on follow-up discussions with the board.
Najmul’s desire to quit comes in the wake of recent turbulence surrounding his role across formats. Initially appointed captain for all three formats last year, he voluntarily gave up the T20I captaincy to focus on his batting, requesting to continue leading in Tests and ODIs.
However, on June 12, the BCB called an unscheduled Zoom meeting and abruptly replaced him with Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new ODI captain—without placing the matter on the board meeting agenda, a move seen as uncharacteristic and abrupt.
It is understood that the abrupt decision to change ODI captaincy might have played a role in Najmul’s possible decision to step down as the Test captain.
Najmul was surprised by his removal, especially as he was due to discuss Sri Lanka ODI squad plans with head coach Phil Simmons. BCB director Nazmul Abedin conveyed the news, frustrating Shanto, who then skipped the meeting with the coach.