As Bangladesh prepares to face Ireland in a two-match Test series in early November, the country’s cricket fraternity is abuzz with one burning question — who will be the next Test captain?
Since Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from the leadership role after the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka in June 2024, the position has remained vacant. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has since been deliberating over a new appointment, with discussions reportedly intensifying ahead of the Ireland series.
Vacant Captaincy and Search for a Leader
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed on 23 October that the board is taking a measured approach to the decision. Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, he said:
“For Test cricket, we have a clear policy. Several discussions will take place among the board, selectors, and top coaching staff to identify the most suitable candidate. The player chosen must also agree to take on the role. After that, everyone will meet to make the final decision.”
The statement indicates that while the board has narrowed down potential names, a final announcement is pending mutual consent between the chosen player and the selectors.
Shanto Declines Return, Mominul and Mehidy in Contention
According to a report by The Daily Times of Bangladesh, former Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was recently approached by BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim regarding a possible return to leadership. However, sources close to the development confirmed that Shanto declined the offer, preferring to focus on his batting form.
That leaves veteran Mominul Haque, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced red-ball cricketers, as a strong contender. Mominul, who captained the Test side between 2020 and 2022, is known for his calm temperament and experience in high-pressure situations.
Another name under consideration is Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the current ODI captain, who has led Bangladesh’s white-ball side with notable consistency. The board is reportedly considering him for a dual leadership role, though such a move would mark a significant strategic shift.
| Potential Candidate | Experience as Captain | Test Matches Played | Leadership Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mominul Haque | Former Test Captain (2020–22) | 57 | Calm, methodical |
| Litton Das | Current T20I Captain | 41 | Tactical, expressive |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Current ODI Captain | 43 | Energetic, aggressive |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Former Test & ODI Captain | 25 | Reserved, disciplined |
Litton Das Responds: “No Player Would Say No”
Amid growing speculation, current T20I skipper Litton Das was asked whether the BCB had approached him for the red-ball leadership. Speaking to the media at the Bir Sreshtha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram ahead of the T20I opener against the West Indies, Litton said:
“It’s very difficult. So far, I don’t know anything about it. If they feel I’m capable, obviously they will have a conversation with me.”
When asked if he would accept the Test captaincy should it be offered, Litton replied confidently:
“Let’s see what their decision is. As a player, captaining the Test side is a big achievement. I’m sure no player would say no to it. But so far, I haven’t heard anything from the cricket board.”
Litton’s Recent Form and Return from Injury
Litton, 29, has been one of Bangladesh’s most consistent performers across formats. However, a side strain injury during the Asia Cup sidelined him for the subsequent white-ball series against Afghanistan in the UAE.
He has since returned to action for the West Indies T20I series, hoping to regain full fitness before the upcoming Tests. Prior to his injury, Litton had successfully led Bangladesh to three consecutive series victories — against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands — cementing his reputation as a capable leader.
In his absence, Jaker Ali Anik temporarily captained the T20I side, guiding Bangladesh to a 3–0 whitewash over Afghanistan — a performance that further emphasised the team’s growing depth and leadership options.
Historical Context: Bangladesh’s Test Captaincy Timeline
Since achieving Test status in 2000, Bangladesh has seen a variety of captains — each shaping the team in their own way. From Habibul Bashar’s early years of building experience to Mushfiqur Rahim’s tactical discipline, and Shakib Al Hasan’s dynamic leadership, the Test captaincy has evolved alongside the nation’s cricketing growth.
| Captain | Tenure | Matches | Wins | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habibul Bashar | 2004–2007 | 18 | 1 | First Test victory (vs Zimbabwe, 2005) |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 2009–2011, 2017–2019 | 21 | 3 | Led Bangladesh to wins over England & Australia |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | 2011–2017 | 53 | 7 | Longest-serving captain, first overseas Test win |
| Mominul Haque | 2020–2022 | 17 | 3 | Historic win in New Zealand |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | 2023–2024 | 6 | 2 | Guided Bangladesh to series win vs Sri Lanka |
Looking Ahead: Decision Imminent
With the Ireland Test series beginning in early November, the BCB is expected to announce the new Test captain in the coming days. Insiders suggest that the board is leaning towards appointing someone capable of balancing tactical acumen with long-term stability — a leader who can oversee Bangladesh’s transition period in red-ball cricket.
As speculation continues, Litton Das remains one of the strongest candidates, admired for his cricketing intelligence and steady leadership in the shorter formats.
Whoever takes the helm will inherit both opportunity and challenge — steering Bangladesh’s Test side into a new era after months of uncertainty, and ensuring that the team’s resurgence in limited-overs cricket is matched in the longest format of the game.