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Mehidy Hasan Miraz Appointed as Bangladesh ODI Captain, Replacing Najmul Hossain Shanto
Bangladesh Cricket Board Names Mehidy Hasan as New ODI Leader
In a significant shake-up ahead of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new captain of the national ODI team, replacing Najmul Hossain Shanto. The change, effective for the next 12 months, comes just weeks before the three-match ODI series begins in Sri Lanka on July 2, 2025.
This decision reflects a strategic move by the BCB as the team prepares for a transitional phase in its white-ball setup. Despite Shanto’s recent leadership, the board has opted for Mehidy Hasan, citing his consistent all-round performance and inspirational presence on and off the field.
Why BCB Chose Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the Captaincy
Performance, Passion, and Presence
According to Nazmul Abedeen, Chairman of BCB’s Cricket Operations Committee, the choice was made considering several key attributes of Mehidy Hasan:
“The Board felt that Miraz’s consistent performances with the bat and ball, his ability to fight and inspire the team, and his energetic presence on and off the field make him an ideal candidate to lead the ODI side during a transitional time.”
Mehidy Hasan has an impressive ODI record — scoring 1617 runs and taking 110 wickets in 105 matches. He currently ranks No. 4 among all-rounders in the ICC ODI rankings, the highest ever for a Bangladeshi cricketer in that category.
He joins an elite group of Bangladeshi cricketers, including Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mohammad Rafique, to have achieved the milestone of 1000+ runs and 100+ wickets in ODIs — a testament to his all-round capabilities.
Shanto’s Exit from ODI Captaincy: A Measured Decision
Focus Shifts Back to Batting for Shanto
Shanto, who recently stepped down from T20I captaincy to focus on his batting, was initially expected to continue leading the ODI side. However, the board had different plans. While acknowledging his contributions, the BCB emphasized the need for a new approach during this transition.
“We thank Shanto for the positivity and character he demonstrated as captain. He remains an important part of the leadership group and a key figure in Bangladesh’s batting unit.”
In his 13-match tenure as ODI captain, Shanto scored 564 runs at an average of 51.27, including several impactful innings. However, the team managed only four wins under his leadership while losing nine matches.
Mehidy’s Vision: Fearless and Confident Cricket
“It’s a Huge Honour” — Miraz’s Statement
In his official statement, Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed deep gratitude to the BCB and shared his vision for the team:
“Leading the country is a dream for any cricketer. I am grateful to the Board for their confidence in me. I want the team to play fearless cricket, believe in ourselves, and give our best for the country.”
Mehidy has previously captained Bangladesh in four ODIs during Shanto’s absence, giving him crucial leadership exposure.
Split Captaincy Returns: Format-Specific Leadership
Who Leads What in Bangladesh Now?
With this leadership change, Bangladesh returns to the multi-captain format — a model previously adopted when Tamim Iqbal led the ODIs, while Mahmudullah and Mominul Haque captained in T20Is and Tests, respectively.
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Najmul Hossain Shanto: Test Captain
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Litton Das: T20I Captain
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz: ODI Captain
This format-specific leadership is believed to bring better focus and role clarity, especially ahead of important series and ICC tournaments.
What’s Next for Bangladesh?
The next major assignment for Mehidy and the ODI team is the three-match series in Sri Lanka, beginning July 2, 2025. This series will test Miraz’s leadership and could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s ODI journey.
📎 Read our article on Bangladesh’s recent ODI performances.
With Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepping in as captain, Bangladesh cricket enters a critical phase. The decision to split leadership roles again could bring tactical depth and mental clarity to each format. While Shanto will continue to be a key contributor with the bat, Mehidy’s passion and consistency make him a strong candidate to lead this new generation of Bangladeshi cricketers.
🌐 For ICC rankings and stats, visit the official ICC ODI Rankings page.
