BCB Reappoints Shanto as Test Captain After His Resignation

Sports Desk

Nazmul Hossain Shanto stepped down as Test captain five months ago. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Saturday that Shanto will continue as the captain of the Bangladesh Test team until the end of the ongoing 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

The announcement also ends recent speculation about the Test captaincy. Earlier, Shanto had announced his resignation from the captaincy after the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in June.

It was heard that when he was stripped of the ODI captaincy just before the Sri Lanka tour, he was angry that he was not properly informed and stepped down from the Test captaincy.

However, the ice between Shanto and the board has recently thawed. After discussions between the two parties, it was decided that left-handed batsman Shanto will continue to lead the Test team.

Shanto became the captain of the Test team for the first time in 2023. He has led Bangladesh in 14 Tests so far. Under his leadership, the team has gradually reached stability and competitiveness in the Test format.

BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board is confident in Shanta’s leadership qualities and his vision for Bangladesh’s red-ball cricket.

“Shant has shown patience, commitment and deep understanding in Test cricket. Under his leadership, we have seen improvement and confidence in the team. The board believes that maintaining continuity in leadership will bring positive results for us in this new Test Championship cycle.”

Expressing his gratitude, Shanto said, “I am truly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team. I thank the board for the trust and confidence they have shown in me.”

“Leading my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to uphold the dignity of this responsibility.”

“It’s a pleasure to lead a team with so much potential and talent. We have a great season ahead of us. We start our busy and important Test schedule with the series against Ireland later this month.”