Who will be Bangladesh’s next Test captain?
That seems to be the million-dollar question for now. Since the 2024 Colombo Test against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh Test captaincy has been vacant. Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from the role in June and was later removed from the ODI captaincy as well.
As the Ireland series approaches in early November, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is looking for a leader in red-ball cricket. Bangladesh will host Ireland for a two-match Test series.
Several names have been circulating as potential candidates for the Test captaincy. Among them, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Mominul Haque are considered favorites.
On 23rd October, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul told reporters at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium’s Press box, “For Test cricket, we have a clear policy. Several discussions will take place among the board, selectors, and top coaching staff to identify the most suitable candidate. The player chosen must also agree to take on the role. After that, everyone will meet to make the final decision.”
According to a close source ‘The Daily Times of Bangladesh’ has learned that former Test skipper Shanto was approached by BCB’s Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. However, sources close to the development revealed that Shanto declined the offer. Veteran Mominul Haque remains in contention, alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who currently leads the ODI side.
On Sunday before the T20I series opener against the West Indies, Litton Das, the T20I captain, was asked whether the BCB had approached him for the Test captaincy. He said he had not heard anything from the board.
In a pre-match press conference on Sunday at the Bir Sreshtha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, Litton said about the Test captaincy role, “It’s very difficult. So far, I don’t know anything about it. If they feel I’m capable, obviously they will have a conversation with me.”
Regarding whether he is ready to take on the red-ball captaincy, he added, “Let’s see what their decision is. And of course, as a player, captaining the Test side is a big achievement. I’m sure no player would say no to it. But so far, I haven’t heard anything from the cricket board.”
Litton, who was in good form, suffered a side strain during the Asia Cup and was subsequently ruled out of two white-ball series against Afghanistan in the UAE. He is now making a comeback against the West Indies. Prior to his injury, he led Bangladesh to three consecutive series wins against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. In his absence, Jaker Ali Anik captained the side against Afghanistan, a series Bangladesh won 3-0.
