After a 126-day break from leadership duties, Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to return as Bangladesh’s Test captain when the national side takes on Ireland in a two-match series beginning tomorrow in Sylhet. The left-handed batter last captained Bangladesh during their July series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, a campaign that ended with him stepping down from the position.
Speaking at a pre-series press conference, Najmul reflected on the period away from captaincy. “It feels like quite some time since I last captained. During that period, I relaxed, enjoyed myself, and had a good time,” he said. His comments suggested that the break allowed him to recharge, offering him a fresh perspective on leadership.
The decision to step down originally stemmed from Najmul’s frustration with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) handling of captaincy across formats. Earlier this year, he voluntarily relinquished the T20I captaincy and was later replaced as ODI captain without prior consultation. The sequence of events contributed to his decision to resign from the Test leadership as well. However, a lengthy discussion with BCB vice-president Faruk Ahmed convinced him to return. Najmul highlighted the respectful communication and full autonomy promised by the board as key factors in his decision.
“The way the board communicated with me was very respectful. Eventually, I realised that Bangladesh cricket is far bigger than me as an individual. The needs of the national team must come before my own,” he said. Najmul also credited the advice of former cricketers serving on the board, noting that their input played a vital role in shaping his decision to return.
On the subject of the board’s support, Najmul was optimistic. “Everyone has been positive about addressing issues together. I’m hopeful the team will move forward in a positive direction. I believe the board will give me full support in this regard,” he added.
The ongoing debate over Bangladesh’s three-captain system remains a key issue. Currently, Najmul leads the Test side, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is ODI captain, and Liton Das captains the T20I team. Previously critical of the system, Najmul emphasised that constructive discussions with the board have clarified responsibilities and reduced potential conflicts. He also highlighted collaboration with his fellow captains: “The communication between us is excellent. We sat together and discussed how we can collectively take the team forward across all three formats and identify areas for improvement.”
Najmul’s return signals a renewed sense of purpose, as he seeks to guide Bangladesh Test cricket with clarity, unity, and ambition. His focus now is on building a cohesive environment where leadership, player development, and team performance are harmonised across formats.