Shanto Wishes to Resign as Bangladesh Captain After South Africa Tests
Shanto's decision to resign has been influenced by his inconsistent batting form. Since taking on the role of Test captain in November of last year, he has averaged just 25.76 with the bat, a significant drop from his performance prior to assuming the captaincy.
Najmul Hossain Shanto has indicated his desire to step down as the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Shanto, who has been leading the team in all formats, communicated his wish to the board, stating that he wants the current Test series against South Africa to be his final one as captain.
According to sources from ESPNcricinfo, Shanto conveyed his decision to senior officials of the BCB following Bangladesh's seven-wicket defeat to South Africa in the first Test held in Dhaka. The board has yet to deliberate on this matter, as BCB president Faruque Ahmed is currently out of the country, expected to return on Monday evening.
Should the BCB accept Shanto’s resignation, they will need to appoint a new captain swiftly, especially with a busy schedule ahead. The second Test against South Africa is set to take place from October 29 to November 2. Following this series, Bangladesh will travel to the UAE for three ODIs against Afghanistan, starting November 6. The team will then head to the West Indies for an all-format series, with the first Test kicking off after a three-day tour match beginning November 15.
Shanto's decision to resign has been influenced by his inconsistent batting form. Since taking on the role of Test captain in November of last year, he has averaged just 25.76 with the bat, a significant drop from his performance prior to assuming the captaincy. Initially regarded as one of the team's in-form players, Shanto's struggle with the bat has contributed to his desire to step down.
Although his batting form has fluctuated, Shanto's captaincy has seen some success. He has led Bangladesh to notable victories, including a Test win against New Zealand last year and a Test series victory against Pakistan in August 2024. His leadership during this transitional phase for the team, marked by the retirement of several senior players, was seen as pivotal.
As the team navigates these changes, Shanto’s request to resign raises questions about the future direction of the Bangladesh team and who will take the reins moving forward. The BCB will have to act promptly to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the upcoming challenges on their packed schedule.
