Bangladesh’s leading left-arm spinner, Taijul Islam, has shown interest in becoming the Test captain. He said that if he is offered the role, he is ready to take the responsibility. After Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from the role following his dispute with the board—after being removed as ODI captain—many names have been discussed to fill the gap left by the country’s most successful Test captain.

Taijul Islam Opens Up About Test Captaincy Dream

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in the post-“Fab Five” era. While he may not grab headlines like some of his teammates, Taijul has been a key player in the national Test team. Even though he is often ignored in white-ball formats, he remains an important part of Bangladesh’s red-ball setup.

Still, despite his steady performances, Taijul is often seen as “underrated.” Now, at 33, he has shared a personal goal—to one day lead Bangladesh in Test cricket.

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"If Given the Chance, Why Not?"

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Taijul spoke about his dream of becoming Test captain. He dismissed the idea that a player must have past leadership experience to lead the national side.

“I think it is important to give space to the captain and value his words, because the team will do well when we trust the captain,” Taijul said. “Just because I haven’t been captain before doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I don’t think there’s anything I can’t do if it’s needed to lead the side. It’s not like I’m greedy for the captaincy.”

Taijul has never led a side at the domestic or national level, but he believes that vision and trust are more important than past roles. “It’s not about whether captaincy is attractive or not. A captain needs to have a plan for where he wants to take the team. You need to know what kind of team you want and have a goal of where you want to see them in two years. If the opportunity comes, why not?” he added.

🗣️ "If the opportunity comes (to lead the side), why not?" - Taijul Islam added.

But he clarifies he's not greedy for the captaincy. #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/egHjlhwSGC

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) July 15, 2025

Experience, Growth, and the Art of Spin

Taijul believes his recent form is a result of maturity and experience, especially in foreign conditions.

“There are many factors,” he said. “Age plays a role. With age, you can pitch the ball exactly where you want. Experience is also important. Before 2021, I didn’t play many Tests overseas.”

He stressed the value of patience in developing players. “This experience matters—how many Tests I’ve played overseas and on different pitches. When the experience is full, the performance improves. It’s hard for a newcomer to debut and perform right away. You have to give players time. Alhamdulillah, I got time and improved step by step.”

Speaking about spin, he explained, “Pace variation is important. If you bowl one slower and one faster, it confuses the batter. Also, if you bowl two balls at the same speed—one that turns and one that goes straight—it becomes very hard for the batter. The world’s best spinners do this. A quick ball usually goes straight, but the same ball, if bowled slower, can turn in or out. That makes it very difficult for the batter.”

India and Bangladesh have traditionally been friendly neighbors. Both countries have historically maintained warm relationships for several decades now. India, being a brotherly nation, has never hesitated to extend a helping hand to Bangladesh. In fact, India played a pivotal role in helping Bangladesh achieve independence in 1971. But in recent times, things have turned sour between the two nations. The recent postponement of India's tour of Bangladesh depicts just how badly the diplomatic ties have been impacted in recent times. 

It all changed when a violent student uprising shook the country in August 2024, which ultimately led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Under the new Muhammad Yunis-led government, the country has seen a sharp rise in attacks against the Hindu minorities. Moreover, the country has also adopted a very hostile approach against India and seems to be leaning more towards its former authoritarian masters, Pakistan. Besides, the new Bangladeshi government is also in talks with Pakistan and China to reinstate an old airbase in the province of Rangpur, which can threaten to choke India's Siliguri corridor, India's sole linkage to the seven sisters. 

In light of heightened hostility and shifting political landscape, should India play Bangladesh in upcoming bilateral and international tournaments? We have highlighted key reasons why India should refrain from playing any form of cricket against Bangladesh. 

See also: Should India play Pakistan in upcoming Asia Cup 2025?

Bangladesh politics in turmoil

Ever since the exit of Sheikh Hasina last year, the country's political climate has become a lot murky. Former leaders and MP of the Awami League, including former cricketers Mashrafe Mortaza and Naimur Rahman Durjoy have come under the scanner of the authorities. Besides, Bangladesh's start all-rounder, Shakib AL Hassan, who was also a member of Hasina's now-ousted party has not been able to return to his homeland either. Meanwhile, the new government's policies have become more anti-Indian, and it is under their leadership, we are starting to see reports of widespread attacks against the Hindu minorities. In this chaotic atmosphere, we can't think of playing cricket against a nation whose hands are drenched in blood.

Hatred shown by Bangladesh cricketers in the past

Keeping politics aside, the on-field behavior of the Bangladeshi cricketers towards the Indian cricketers has also caused a lot of stir in the past. Ugly on-field altercations have taken place between the players from the two sides, attracting widespread condemnation from the Indian viewers. The most infamous of them all was the 2020 U-19 World Cup Final in South Africa, which Bangladesh managed to win by a narrow margin. 

A dispute erupted as soon as Bangladesh were able to hit the winning runs. Bangladesh players stormed onto the field and started celebrating aggressively the moment Rakibul Hasan struck the winning runs. A physical altercation ensued—Bangladesh players reportedly shouted at Indian opponents and physically shoved them, while some Indian players pushed back. Harsha Bhogle criticized the lack of sportsmanship, saying young players should “shake hands” and avoid “abusive sledging”  while Former Test spinner Bishan Singh Bedi labeled the behavior “disgusting” and “disgraceful”.

Then, in another separate instance during the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup Final, another ugly spat broke out between the two teams. Though not physical in nature, this time, both teams sledged each other verbally. The friction stayed within verbal limits, but tensions ran high with aggressive sledging audible on camera.

Anti-Indian comments from Bangladeshi cricketers

If all of the above reasons were not enough, inflammatory remarks have previously been issued by the Bangladeshi players. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim was seen urging the crowd to chant “Allahu Akbar” as Bangladesh pulled ahead in the final overs of the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup Final—an action widely criticized as mixing religion and sport to rile up spectators against India.

Bangladeshi bowlers like Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were repeatedly heard sledging Indian batsmen during the World Cup (though overlaps with 2020), often using harsh or abusive language. In one incident, a ball was nearly thrown at Divyansh Saxena’s helmet, drawing sharp criticism from the Indian viewers. The Bangladeshi players faced severe backlash from the Indian users on social media and were called out for displaying disrespectful and needlessly aggressive behavior. These acts give us an insight into the typical mindset of a Bangladeshi player and the stance they have against India.   

CricketWinner's views on Ind-Ban cricketing ties

According to CricketWinner, India should sever cricketing ties with Bangladesh, a nation that plots against us and works hard towards undermining the credibility of our government and armed forces. On similar grounds, India have boycotted playing against Pakistan bilaterally. A similar approach can also be adopted to isolate Bangladesh cricket in an effort to make them mend their ways. The Indian cricket board is the richest cricketing board in the world and can easily survive without playing against Bangladesh. It is Bangladesh who are in dire need of funds in the form of ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast deals.

India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which was set to take place in August-September 2025, has now been postponed to 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) announced on Saturday. The tour originally included three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals between the two sides.

According to the official statement, the decision came after discussions between the BCCI, the BCB, and the two boards decided to postpone the series, looking at the international calendar and logistical issues. The tour has been postponed until September 2026.

In its media release, the BCCI said, “The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have mutually agreed to defer the white-ball series, three ODIs and three T20 Internationals, between Bangladesh and India in August 2025 to September 2026.”

New Dates and Fixtures to Be Announced Later

The BCCI further added, “This decision has been reached following discussions between the two Boards, taking into account the international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience of both teams. The BCB looks forward to welcoming India in September 2026 for this eagerly anticipated series. Revised dates and fixtures for the tour will be announced in due course.”

🚨 NEWS 🚨

Rescheduling of India’s white-ball Tour of Bangladesh.

Details 🔽 #TeamIndiahttps://t.co/qaOWJBgJdu

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 5, 2025

See Also: From IPL heroics to U-19 domination: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 52-ball century against England

While political tensions between the countries are believed to be a background factor, the official reason for the postponement remains scheduling and calendar clashes. Both cricket boards are now working on finalizing new T20I dates that will suit both sides in 2026.

The upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Draft has been postponed officially, and the organizers have stated that the draft will not take place until after October. The delay is a result of all prior franchise agreements expiring when the last BPL season concluded. With a fresh start on the horizon, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is taking steps to reform the league's structure and ownership model.

Newly appointed BPL Governing Council Chairman Mahbub Anam confirmed the changes during a media interaction, citing that the board is planning to invite fresh Expressions of Interest (EOI) for team ownership. These new franchise contracts will be awarded for a five-year term. In the meantime, the BCB is also studying how global franchise leagues operate in order to implement improvements that enhance the BPL’s efficiency and competitiveness.

“We are hoping that in August we will be starting the process of taking in new franchises. In September we have a schedule to appoint these new franchises... I believe the draft will not take place before October. If we can complete our schedules, then in October we can go for a draft,” Mahbub Anam said, as quoted by The Daily Star. The BPL Draft date, therefore, remains tentative and will only be confirmed after the necessary franchise allocations are completed.

BCB to Bring in Sports Management Firm for Restructuring

In a bid to professionalize the BPL further, Mahbub also revealed plans to hire a dedicated sports management company. “We are also studying how the different franchise tournaments are being run... We will go to a tender process for an event management or sports management company. They will give us direction and structure our financial model so that it's sustainable,” he added.

See Also: PCB chairman sends letter to BCCI regarding Asia Cup: Report

Simultaneously, the BCB will audit venues such as Bogura and Khulna to determine their readiness for BPL matches. Their inclusion in the upcoming season will depend on meeting the required standards, which will be evaluated in coordination with the National Sports Council (NSC).

The BCB has decided to include women selectors in the national women's team setup for the first time. At present, Sazzad Ahmed is the only selector for the women's team. This decision was made after a long six-hour 19th board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to appoint a new selector for the men’s national team. Right now, there are only two selectors in the panel. The decision was made to reduce the workload after former selector Hannan Sarkar stepped down from his role. He has now returned to the board as the head coach of the Bangladesh U17 team.

The current selectors are chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu and former cricketer Abdur Razzak. After a board meeting, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul told the media that the board is planning to fill the vacant position soon. He said, “We need three selectors, and right now we have two. We are working on adding one more.” However, he did not share any names being considered.

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The BCB also wants to improve women’s cricket. For the first time, they will add a female selector to the women’s selection panel. At present, Sazzad Ahmed is the only selector for the women’s team. Bulbul said, “We will add a woman selector for the women’s team. Slowly, we want to include more women in coaching, performance, and other support roles.”

The previous board under Faruque Ahmed decided to change the name and the proposed shape.

Aminul Islam Bulbul's board wants to create a High Performance Centre there. 🏛️

A space like this shouldn’t go wasted, should it? Much needed decision. 👏#BangladeshCricket #BCB pic.twitter.com/AgE1AS24fs

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) June 30, 2025

The BCB has also signed a five-year deal with BRAC IT to start an Athlete Management System (AMS). This new system will collect and save health and performance data for every player. It will watch the players’ fitness and performance all day and night. Bulbul said the deal is cost-effective and will begin as a test project. Later, it will be used for all teams.

Before Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu became chief selector this year, the selection panel had Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Habibul Bashar Sumon, and Abdur Razzak. BCB believes these changes will help make team selection better and bring more balance to Bangladesh cricket.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is still awaiting confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in August. BCB president Aminul Islam revealed that although discussions have been encouraging, the final decision from the BCCI is pending approval from the Indian government. He made the comments at a conference in Dhaka after a six-hour board of directors meeting.

Aminul noted that the tour, which consists of limited-overs matches in August, is still tentatively on. However, uncertainty persists due to undisclosed reasons, and the BCCI has conveyed to the BCB that an alternative window will be considered if August is not feasible. The BCB chief emphasized that the conversations so far have been cooperative and constructive.

While there is hope the tour will go ahead as planned, the BCB is also prepared for a possible postponement. According to Aminul, India remains committed to touring Bangladesh, even if it has to be rescheduled. The original tour plan announced in April included six matches across Mirpur and Chattogram—three ODIs and three T20Is.

India’s Tour of Bangladesh Awaits Government Clearance, Says BCB Chief

“I have already spoken to the BCCI. Discussions have been positive,” Aminul said. “We remain hopeful. It is scheduled [next month], but they are waiting for some decisions from the government.”

See Also: India set to make some shocking changes for upcoming ENG vs IND 2nd Test

“The discussions are ongoing. If for some reason they can't come [in August], they will come at the next available window. We are hopeful of playing in this window. I can't say much apart from the fact that they are very professional and cooperative.”

Bangladesh have announced their ODI squad ahead of the three-match ODI series that is expected to commence on July 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The out-of-form wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been recalled for this series and will be a part of the white-ball setup for Bangladesh. Unlike the case with the Test series, Bangladesh have appointed a new white-ball captain. The spin-bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has not featured in the Test series, will take over the captaincy duties from Najmul Hossain Shanto and lead the Tigers in the ODI series.

Additionally, the team had to make five forced changes following the departure of veteran cricketers Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim from the ODI format. Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, and Tanvir Islam are the other three cricketers apart from Litton Das who have been recalled ahead of the series. Naim's last appearance in the ODI format was in 2023. Besides, Shamim's last appearance in this format also came way back in 2023. However, Islam has not featured for Bangladesh in this format and gets a maiden call-up on the back of just six T20Is. 

See also: Bangladesh set to boycott their tour to Pakistan amid tensions with India

Litton gets another opportunity despite his poor run in ODIs

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that Litton will be a part of Bangladesh's white-ball setup for the upcoming ODI series. Although the Chief Selector is fully aware of the batter's stark drop in form, he remains hopeful of a turnaround and believes that he has what it takes to regain his lost form.  

"Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup. If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is."

In the last eight ODIs, Litton has only managed 35 runs between the tours of New Zealand in December 2023 and the West Indies in December 2024. Due to his poor run, Litton missed out on a spot for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Bangladesh squad

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud

In a shocking turn of events, Faruque Ahmed has been removed as the president of BCB with immediate effect. The announcement of his termination was issued by the National Sports Council (NSC) after eight BCB directors voted in favour of his removal from the role of BCB president. Faruque's tenure as a BCB president lasted nine months and eight days. He was first appointed as the BCB president following the ouster of Nazmul Hasan at a time when Bangladesh was grappling with violent student protests nationwide. 

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BCB directors lodge a no-confidence letter against Faruque 

It is widely reported that as many as eight BCB directors stood against him to issue a no-confidence letter against Faruque. The letter was then formally submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, urging the authority to remove him from his position. This development came shortly after the government had informed BCB that they were no longer interested in retaining him for this position. 

The letter said the following:

"In light of the no-confidence letter sent by eight BCB directors against Faruque Ahmed, and the report presented by the fact-finding committee about the BPL, his nomination as the representative of the National Sports Council (sports ministry) has been cancelled."

Despite this unfortunate development, Faruque stands firm and has vowed not to back down under government pressure. He demands that the government offer a reasonable explanation for his removal. In an official correspondence dated May 29 and directed to the chief executive officer of the BCB, the NSC justified the use of Section 13.2(b)(4) of its legislation to initiate the termination of Faruque's role on the BCB board. The correspondence validated the rumors regarding Faruque's dismissal.

Consequences for Bangladesh Cricket Board

The government's intervention to sack Farque from his position can have dire consequences for Bangladesh cricket. As per regulatory norms stated in ICC's rulebook, full member nations as well as associate nations must be free from government interference. Furthermore, the ICC expects its members to manage their affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation, or administration of cricket in their country.

A breach of this law may result in a swift suspension from the governing body. Government intervention in sports is not something new. Back in 2023, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) was temporarily suspended by the ICC when their then-sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, decided to dismiss the national cricketing board following the national team’s poor run in the 2023 World Cup.

The Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series has undergone a significant makeover, shortened, rescheduled, and relocated. Once envisioned as a five-match affair across Faisalabad and Lahore, the bilateral series will now feature just three T20Is, all to be played exclusively in Lahore. The shift comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the tour, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) slow to commit due to rising regional tensions and scheduling headaches. However, a breakthrough came during a high-stakes meeting in Dubai between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB’s top brass, where the two boards hammered out a compromise to ensure the tour goes ahead, albeit in a scaled-down format.

Initially slated to host the opening match, Faisalabad has once again been cut out of the equation. The city, which has long waited for the return of top-tier international cricket, finds itself overlooked due to logistical reshuffling and operational streamlining. With time tight and security arrangements needing consolidation, Lahore became the practical choice. This marks yet another occasion where Faisalabad’s hopes were dashed at the last minute, disappointment that’s quickly becoming a pattern for cricket fans in the region.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Jonny Bairstow expresses his happiness over joining Mumbai Indians

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Moved to Lahore, Cut to Three Matches

The tour was originally scheduled to begin on May 25 with a five-match T20I series. Bangladesh was to arrive in two groups starting May 21. But rising political friction between India and Pakistan, which had already disrupted the PSL mid-season, created a ripple effect that complicated the international calendar. Adding to the complexity was the overlap with Eid-ul-Adha, with several Bangladeshi players expressing reservations about travel and preparations during the festive period. The PCB eventually offered alternative dates and proposed a single-venue model to keep the tour afloat.

With both boards in agreement, the revised tour will now feature three-night matches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium between May 27 and June 5. Official match dates and times will be confirmed shortly. Litton Das will lead Bangladesh in the series, with Mahedi Hasan stepping in as his deputy. The series forms part of both teams' buildup to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and the decision to drop the ODI leg of the FTP tour was made to allow for more focused T20I preparations.

Despite being scaled down, the agreement is being seen as a win for cricket diplomacy and continuity. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi thanked his Bangladeshi counterparts for their cooperation and commitment to ensuring Pakistan remains a regular international host. For Lahore, the series brings another international spectacle to the Gaddafi Stadium. For Faisalabad, it’s another lesson in patience waiting, once again, for its turn in the cricketing spotlight.

Delhi Capitals (DC) got their major boost with the news that Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman will join their camp for the rest of the league matches of the IPL 2025 season, after May 17, when the tournament was resumed from a week-long break because of the India-Pakistan tensions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued Rahman a No Objection Certificate (NOC) valid until May 24, where he can play DC's last three league matches, as reported by Cricbuzz on May 16, 2025. Rahman, obtaining a local No Objection Certificate (NOC) and replacing Jake Fraser-McGurk due to personal reasons, is scheduled to travel to India following the 1st T20I between UAE and Bangladesh on May 17.

Rahman's signing is timely for DC, who are in 5th place on the points table with 13 points from 11 games and will require performances of strength if they are to earn a place in the playoffs. The 29-year-old left-arm pacer, who was signed for INR 6 crore, possesses loads of experience with 61 wickets from 57 IPL games, including an impressive 2024 IPL season for Chennai Super Kings with 14 wickets from nine outings. Though his services during the league phase are limited, as he is scheduled to fly out with Bangladesh to play a five-match T20I series against Pakistan from May 25, which coincides with the playoffs of the IPL.

Even as his arrival has been confirmed, DC has had to battle overseas player unavailability, with Mitchell Starc also choosing to skip in order to get ready for the World Test Championship final. Rahman's comeback, though, has generated mixed opinions, as some social media users, with the #BoycottDelhiCapitals hashtag, lambasted the franchise for signing a Bangladeshi player during times of geopolitical tensions. However, DC's administration, headed by Captain Axar Patel, will hope Rahman can add strength to their bowling unit.

Rahman's Influence on DC's Playoff Charge

Mustafizur Rahman's capacity to perform in all stages of an innings, especially with his cutters and variations, renders him a valuable addition to DC when they play the Mumbai Indians on May 21 at Wankhede Stadium. His earlier stay with DC from 2022 to 2023, in which he picked 18 wickets in 16 games, brings familiarity to his position in the team.

Also Read: 'Didn't want to come to' Rajat Patidar drops bombshell revelation amid IPL 2025 resumption

But DC will have to prepare for the playoffs in the absence of Rahman since his NOC is ending on May 24, ahead of Qualifier 1 on May 30. With other overseas players such as Tristan Stubbs potentially leaving early too, DC will have to use Rahman's presence to the fullest in the league stage to gain a top-four spot in the rearranged IPL 2025 season that ends on June 3.