BCB Clarifies ODI Captaincy Decision Amidst Criticism

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has responded to the recent debate over the appointment of Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new ODI captain, dismissing the controversy as unfounded.

According to Nazmul Abedin, chairman of BCB cricket operations, the ODI captaincy was vacant, as Najmul Hossain Shanto’s term had ended with the conclusion of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Nazmul faced criticism for choosing Miraz to lead the ODI team for the Sri Lanka tour, which meant Shanto was not given an extension. Miraz stated that this change would not disrupt the team’s environment.

Speculation arose that Shanto’s decision to step down from the Test captaincy stemmed from feeling slighted at being passed over for the ODI leadership, especially since he had anticipated continuing in the role.

However, Nazmul presented a different viewpoint on the talk show Saturday Night, broadcast on Jamuna TV on July 19.

“We did not have an ODI captain following the Champions Trophy. The idea that Shanto was removed from his captaincy is inaccurate. There was no designated captain,” Nazmul clarified during the show.

He continued, “Shanto may have believed he would captain the upcoming series, given his prior role. His thinking is understandable. However, the board might have considered other possibilities. The board could have reappointed Shanto, but that would have necessitated a formal announcement.”

He further clarified that as there was no official captain at the time, the board deemed it unnecessary to consult with Shanto before finalizing the decision.

“Given the absence of a captain, there was no need to discuss with Shanto. A choice was made during a meeting, and Shanto, as the former captain, was informed. A discussion could have occurred, but it is incorrect to suggest that he was dismissed from the captaincy,” he explained.

“The captaincy decision happened in a meeting, and it was my duty to inform both Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. There were no additional conditions or stipulations involved. Therefore, I informed Shanto first,” he concluded.