Najmul Hossain Shanto Retains Captaincy for Bangladesh’s ODI Series Against Afghanistan
The team will face some absences in this series. Star player Shakib Al Hasan has voluntarily opted out, while Litton Das is unavailable due to a fever that kept him from the recent Test in Chattogram. Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, will also miss out.
Najmul Hossain Shanto has been appointed as the captain for Bangladesh's upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, set to take place in Sharjah next week. This decision follows Shanto's previous request to step down from his role as captain across all formats, reflecting a shift within the team dynamics.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made this announcement after a meeting between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed, which took place following the recent Test match in Chattogram. While Shanto will lead the team against Afghanistan, the board has yet to confirm a long-term strategy regarding his captaincy or the squad selection for the forthcoming West Indies tour in November, which includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named as vice-captain for the Afghanistan series, positioning him as a strong candidate for future leadership roles, alongside Taskin Ahmed. Both players are included in the ODI squad and have demonstrated considerable leadership potential on the field. Taskin has been a key player in the bowling lineup, bringing experience and pace, while Miraz's all-round skills make him a valuable team member.
In a fresh addition to the squad, 22-year-old uncapped pacer Nahid Rana is expected to make his ODI debut. Rana has shown promise in List A cricket, taking 26 wickets at an impressive average of 16.46, and is anticipated to contribute significantly to the team. Additionally, opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed are returning to bolster the squad. Zakir, who has played one ODI and 12 Tests, will strengthen the top order, while Nasum provides additional spin options after last representing Bangladesh in the 2022 World Cup.
The team will face some absences in this series. Star player Shakib Al Hasan has voluntarily opted out, while Litton Das is unavailable due to a fever that kept him from the recent Test in Chattogram. Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, will also miss out.
The Bangladesh squad is scheduled to depart for Dubai in two groups over the weekend, with matches set for November 6, 9, and 11 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
This series against Afghanistan marks an important opportunity for Shanto and the team to build momentum as they prepare for future challenges.
