‘No alternative to Shakib for captaincy’

Following Tamim Iqbal's decision to step down as the Bangladesh ODI captain on Thursday, there were talks regarding the Tigers' next captain in the format ahead of two major events this year -- Asia Cup this month and the World Cup in October-November.

As things stand, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is willing to appoint an ODI captain on a long term basis keeping the World Cup in mind.

The name of Shakib Al Hasan, skipper of the Tigers' Test and the T20I units, has been uttered in the media as the ideal candidate for the post considering his vast experience.

According to Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, prominent coach and mentor to many Bangladesh players including Shakib, there are no alternative to the champion all-rounder for this post if Bangladesh want to do well in the coming days.

"If it is just about naming a captain then you can make anyone the captain. But if the reason is to put someone who can manage the team well and can bring the best possible result for the team then there is no alternative to Shakib. He is the best choice and I think there is no room for comparison with anyone. If we want to get good results, we have no other alternative other than handing the captaincy to Shakib," Fahim told the media yesterday.

It is, however, still not confirmed whether Shakib would agree to take up ODI captaincy. And in that case, Liton Das, who led Bangladesh during the home series against India last year and also in the recently concluded series against Afghanistan, could be another candidate.

Fahim informed that even if Shakib does not agree to assume the role of the captain, the board should try to convince him for the betterment of the team.

"If Shakib does not agree then we can think about other options but I think attempts should be made so that he agrees to take the captaincy," he added.