Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s future as Bangladesh’s ODI captain has come under scrutiny after the team’s 2-1 series defeat to Zimbabwe, with his tactical decisions and poor performance in the opening ODI drawing criticism.
Although no decision has been made on whether Bangladesh will change their ODI captain, a recent meeting between Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and BCB president Tamim Iqbal has further fuelled speculation that the leadership baton could change hands.
A clearer picture is expected to emerge after the BCB’s next board meeting, which is likely to be held towards the end of July.
‘The date of the board meeting has not been finalised yet. However, it is certain to take place towards the end of this month,’ a BCB director told to Times of Bangladesh on condition of anonymity.
Asked whether there had been any discussion about replacing Miraz with Shanto or another candidate as ODI captain, the director said, ‘There has been some discussion, but nothing on a major scale or in a direct manner. The team’s performance in the ODI series against Zimbabwe will be evaluated. This issue will also be on the agenda of the next board meeting, alongside other matters.’
The timing of any potential leadership change could be significant, with Bangladesh also facing a crucial qualification battle for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Bangladesh must be in the top eight by September 30 to qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup, with the cut-off date brought forward from March 31, 2027. Currently ninth, they have only three ODIs left before the new deadline, all against India in September.
Shanto was abruptly removed as Bangladesh’s ODI captain in June 2025 without prior notice, with Miraz taking over the role. Under Miraz, Bangladesh entered the Zimbabwe series on the back of three consecutive home series wins but ultimately lost the ODI series 2-1.
Miraz’s individual form has also been a concern. He has scored only 99 runs in eight innings across 11 ODIs this year, with a highest score of 27 and a batting average of 16.50. With the ball, he has taken 11 wickets in 11 matches.
Some of his tactical decisions during the recent Zimbabwe series have also come under scrutiny.
In the opening ODI, Nahid Rana produced career-best figures of 6-26 as Zimbabwe were reduced to 70-8. But Miraz eased the pressure by opting for spin from both ends. Richard Ngarava and Newman Nyamhuri capitalised on the change in momentum to add 63 for the ninth wicket, helping Zimbabwe reach 140 before Bangladesh were bowled out for 116 in reply, with Miraz contributing just 10 runs.
In 24 matches as Bangladesh captain, Miraz has led the team to 10 wins, 13 defeats and one tie.
If the BCB opts to replace Miraz, Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is likely to be among the leading candidates, while T20I captain Litton Das and vice-captain Towhid Hridoy could also be considered for the role.
