The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reinstated Najmul Hossain Shanto as the Test captain of Bangladesh until the end of the current 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The 27-year-old batter had stepped down from Test leadership in June 2025, following Bangladesh’s 1-0 home series loss to Sri Lanka, citing difficulties in managing three captains across formats. However, the BCB has, for a second time, shown confidence in Shanto, and the cricketing world will see him back as captain in the two-match Test series against Ireland, starting November 11 in Sylhet.
Shanto Shows Gratitude and Firm Determination
The BCB released a statement quoting Najmul Hossain Shanto as saying that he feels honored and proud to be once again entrusted with the responsibility of Test captaincy.
“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,” said Shanto.
“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.”
He added that the team has “immense talent and potential” and that Bangladesh are looking forward to an “exciting and positive season ahead.”
BCB Backs Shanto’s Leadership for Continuity
BCB president Aminul Islam praised Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership, calling him composed, committed and strategically sound in the longest format.
“Shanto has shown composure, commitment and a deep understanding of Test cricket. Under his leadership, we have witnessed 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,” said Aminul.
Captaincy Journey and Record
Najmul Hossain Shanto was elected captain for Test cricket in 2023, and since then has captained Bangladesh in 14 Tests (4 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw). Shanto’s period included an important achievement in August 2024, when Bangladesh won a Test series against Pakistan for the first time ever – in Pakistan, winning the Test series 2-0.
In 2025, Shanto had relinquished the T20I captaincy, going to Litton Das, and was later replaced as ODI captain by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His retention of the Test leadership now is a stabilizing element for Bangladesh cricket.
Bangladesh’s WTC 2025-27 Campaign So Far
Bangladesh currently are seventh on the World Test Championship points table, earning four points after two matches – one loss and one draw against Sri Lanka. The Tests that are coming up against Ireland, even though it’s not part of the WTC, are expected to help fine-tune their red-ball squad while gaining momentum with Shanto’s renewed leadership.
