Bangladesh cricket is heading for a possible overall change following their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign. This includes the appointment of a new captain for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Shakib Al Hasan having to make a decision about his future. Despite Shakib’s pre-World Cup announcement about quitting the ODI captaincy, the BCB does not consider it official.
Shakib, who also serves as Bangladesh’s Test captain, sustained a fractured finger during the World Cup and will be unable to participate in the upcoming home Tests against New Zealand. The BCB is aiming for a full-strength squad for these Tests, which mark the beginning of Bangladesh’s World Test Championship cycle for 2023-25. The board is hesitant to name Litton Das as captain and is displeased with his behavior during the World Cup.
Litton took two breaks during the World Cup, which has led to a negative view of him among influential BCB directors. This potentially leaves Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as potential candidates for the captaincy.
Discussions with Shakib regarding his future in both Tests and ODIs will take place soon. The uncertainty surrounding Tamim Iqbal’s future in the Test side also adds to the challenging situation for Bangladesh. With the potential absence of Shakib and Tamim against New Zealand, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque could be the only experienced batters available. The availability of the bowling unit will depend on their fitness updates after the World Cup.
