Shanto to continue as Bangladesh Test captain

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as the captain of the Bangladesh Test team until the conclusion of the ongoing 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Saturday.

The announcement also ended the recent speculations regarding the Test captaincy. Earlier, after the end of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in June, Shanto announced his stepping down from his role.

There were talks that Shanto resigned from the position after not being informed properly when the ODI captaincy was taken away from him just before the team left for Sri Lanka.

However, in recent days, the ice between Shanto and the Board finally melted, and both parties agreed that the southpaw would continue leading Bangladesh in the Test format.

Shanto, who first took over the Test captaincy in 2023, has so far led Bangladesh in 14 Test matches, overseeing a period of steady development and competitiveness in the longest format of the game.

BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the decision reflects the Board's confidence in the 27-year-old batter's leadership and his vision for Bangladesh's red-ball cricket.

"Shanto has shown composure, commitment, and a deep understanding of Test cricket. Under his leadership, we have seen growth and belief in the team. The Board feels that continuity in leadership will serve us well as we move forward in this new Test Championship cycle."

Expressing his appreciation, Shanto said: "I feel truly honoured to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team, and I am very grateful to the Board for the faith and trust they have shown in my captaincy.

"Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to repay the responsibility that has been entrusted to me.

"It is a joy to lead a team that has so much talent and potential, and I believe we have an exciting and positive season ahead. We are looking forward to the upcoming series against Ireland later this month, which marks the start of a busy and important period for Bangladesh Test cricket."