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🇧🇩 BCB Refutes Claims of Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Removal as ODI Captain
Board Clarifies There Was No Appointed ODI Skipper After Champions Trophy 2025
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has addressed recent speculation regarding a supposed captaincy reshuffle, firmly stating that Najmul Hossain Shanto was not removed as the ODI captain — simply because there was no appointed ODI captain following the end of his tenure after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Leadership Controversy Sparks Backlash
The BCB faced public and internal criticism after Mehidy Hasan Miraz was appointed as the ODI captain ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, bypassing a potential extension for Shanto. This abrupt decision triggered uproar, especially after Shanto also stepped down from the Test captaincy, leading many to believe he was disrespected by the board.
Nazmul Abedin, Chairman of BCB’s Cricket Operations, was at the center of the controversy. He eventually spoke out to address the confusion during a talk show titled Saturday Night, which aired on Jamuna TV on July 19, 2025.
🗣️ BCB Chairman: “There Was No ODI Captain After Champions Trophy”
“We did not have any ODI captain after the Champions Trophy,” Nazmul stated. “It is not true that Shanto was removed from his captaincy. In fact, there was no captain.”
Nazmul explained that since Shanto’s tenure officially ended with the ICC tournament, any assumption about a continuing role was understandable but ultimately speculative. He clarified that the BCB board had yet to name a new captain until the Sri Lanka series decision was finalized.
“Shanto might have assumed he would continue because he led before. But the board had not made any official appointment,” he added. “Yes, he could have been retained, but that would have required a new declaration.”
Read more about Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy 2025 performance
Mehidy Hasan Miraz Appointment and Dressing Room Dynamics
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was unexpectedly named as ODI captain, attempted to ease concerns by stating that the team environment remains unaffected. He assured fans and stakeholders that dressing room harmony would not be compromised by the change in leadership.
Meanwhile, cricket analysts and former players speculated that Shanto’s decision to relinquish the Test captaincy may have stemmed from feelings of exclusion or insult following the ODI captaincy development. However, Nazmul Abedin dismissed such claims.
Communication Missteps or Strategic Choice?
Nazmul accepted that while the board might have communicated better, the decision was made during a formal meeting and later conveyed to both players.
“The decision to appoint Miraz was made in a meeting, and it was my duty to inform both Shanto and Miraz. There were no complex terms involved, which is why Shanto was informed first.”
He further emphasized that the lack of formal discussions with Shanto did not indicate disrespect or dismissal. Instead, the decision was procedural and aligned with the board’s vision for the team’s future.
For a deeper understanding of leadership structures in modern cricket, visit ICC’s official page on team governance.
Shanto’s Leadership Future Still Open?
While the BCB has tried to put rumors to rest, the public perception surrounding Najmul Hossain Shanto’s role and treatment may take time to normalize. Whether or not he returns to lead in any format remains uncertain, but one thing is clear — Bangladesh cricket is in a transitional phase, and the BCB must manage both performances and perceptions carefully.
