After a humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka in Colombo on June 28 (Saturday), Najmul Hossain Shanto, in a sudden announcement after the match, stated that he decided to step down from his leadership role for the 'betterment' of the team.

Sri Lanka hammered the Tigers down in Colombo with the help of Pathum Nissanka's century and Prabath Jayasuriya's five-wicket haul. The host team defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 78 runs. Following this result, Shanto decided to put off the captaincy armband.

In the post-match press conference, he said, "I don't want to continue as captain in the Test format anymore. This is not personal. I have made the decision for the betterment of the team. I think this will help the team."

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During this crucial announcement of his career, the batter also expressed his disagreement with a decision by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). BCB took the three-format, three-captain theory, which Shanto is not supporting.

Shanto exposed displeasure over BCB's decision

In his clear statement he continued, "I have been a part of the dressing room for the past few years. I think three captains for the three international formats is not sensible. I don't know what the board will feel about this, and I will support their decision. But this is my personal decision. I think three separate captains will be difficult for the team to deal with. I would want no one to feel this decision is emotional or that I am disappointed by something. I want to make this clear. This is for the betterment of the team." 

Shanto was phenomenal in the first match of the 2-match series against Sri Lanka. In both innings, he stepped up with tons. In the first innings of the match, the middle-order batsman scored 148 against 279 deliveries. In the next essay, the 26-year-old is unbeaten for 125 runs after facing 199 deliveries. 

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is reportedly set to step down from his leadership role after the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, sources close to the development confirmed on Saturday that the left-handed batter is likely to inform the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of his decision soon. While his batting form remains strong — as shown by his twin centuries in the Galle Test — Shanto is said to be deeply hurt by the way he was removed from ODI captaincy without any prior discussion.

It is still unclear whether Najmul Hossain Shanto will make an official announcement after the second Test in Colombo or later. However, the matter is expected to be discussed further once he formally informs the board of his decision.

Also Read -Bangladesh announce ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, Litton Das makes a return

The sudden change happened while Shanto was speaking to the media about the Sri Lanka tour. During the press conference, he spoke in detail about his goals and responsibilities as the ODI captain. But just as he was wrapping up, he was informed that Mehidy Hasan Miraz had been named the new ODI captain.

Shanto was reportedly upset that the board did not speak to him beforehand. There were concerns that this might affect his performance, but he responded in the best possible way by scoring two centuries in the first Test, ending all doubts.

Still, people close to Shanto say the decision has affected him emotionally. “I think he will not continue as Test captain after the series against Sri Lanka,” a source told the media. “I have known him for a long time, and I can say he is not happy with how things are going.”

Najmul, who was appointed Test captain for one year, is believed to have discussed the matter with close friends before deciding.

His dissatisfaction reportedly comes from the way the ODI captaincy was taken away from him without warning. Earlier, Shanto had voluntarily stepped down as T20I captain to focus on his batting, while saying he wanted to continue leading the Test and ODI teams.

🚨 Meanwhile Daily Sun dropped this ⤵️

Najmul Hossain Shanto was considering leaving the Test captaincy as well, when he was shockingly removed from ODI captaincy ⚠️

As of now, the chances of him stepping down from Test captaincy after the Sri Lanka series are high.#SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/4yqpYDWiC4

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) June 23, 2025

However, the board's decision to remove him as ODI captain and appoint Mehidy Hasan Miraz came as a surprise, especially since it was made during an emergency Zoom meeting on June 12, instead of following the usual process of discussing such matters in formal board meetings.

Shanto was earlier given leadership in all three formats under former BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon. But his role started to change after the new board took over. He stepped down from the T20 captaincy under Faruque Ahmed’s leadership, and now, under Aminul Islam Bulbul, he has also lost the ODI captaincy to Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Record-breaking knocks from the captain of Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto. During the ongoing Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Shanto hit tons in each inning. Which itself was a rare achievement.

The achievement became more special as Bangladesh is up against Sri Lanka in an away tour. The left-handed batter in the first inning scored 148 runs against 279 balls. During the development of the innings, he smashed 15 boundaries and one huge six. Shanto was well supported by the experienced batter of the side,

Mushfiqur Rahim, another centurion in the first innings for the visiting team. Rahim made a stunning comeback through his 350-ball, 163-run innings. In the following essay, Shanto again claimed the summit. This time, an unbroken 125-run innings produced from his blade, powered by 9 fours and 3 sixes, a little bit more aggressive approach from the captain of Bangladesh.

🚨 Record Alert 🚨

Shanto joins the elite club with 2 twin tons in a Test.

Even legends like Bradman, Lara, Kohli & Root have just one. Sachin & Cook? Zero. 😲

✅ 8th captain ever to do it in away
✅ 1st visiting captain to do it in Sri Lanka

Congratulations to Shanto. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/VzvEUKVJmJ

— Raisul Rifat (@raisul_rifat88) June 21, 2025

Read More: ENG vs IND 1st Test: Even after scoring hundred Shubman Gill in trouble, ICC can take strong action

Heroics from Bangladesh can result in a draw after day 5

With the help of multiple centuries, the roaring Tiger brigade put 495/10 and 285/6d in the first and second innings, respectively. For scoring centuries in both innings, the skipper achieved some rare feat under his belt. 

According to stats, Shanto set the 8th example in international cricket to do so as the captain in an away Test, and he became the first ever captain to do it in Sri Lanka. After all the achievements, the rain-struck Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is projected for a well-fought draw. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto pulled off a captain's knock, making a glorious century to place Bangladesh in a commanding position on the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Walking in with a precarious 45/3 in the morning session, Shanto's calm and ability turned the tables. His sixth century in Tests, and second against Sri Lanka, proved his potential to shine under duress, steadying the innings with maturity.

Shanto had a good friend in Mushfiqur Rahim, and together the two formed a dominating partnership of more than 190 runs. Not only did their partnership stabilize Bangladesh, but it also changed the momentum in favor of the latter decisively. Shanto's prudent play repelled Sri Lanka's bowlers' early aggression, and Mushfiqur's maturity provided stability for the Tigers to control the post-lunch session without losing a single wicket.

The Bangladesh captain touched his century in the last session, trumpeting it with a paddle shot off two, standing on tiptoe in elation with bat and helmet aloft. His second century in five Sri Lankan innings, this ton took his career tally against them to 320 runs from seven Tests. On the cusp of 2,000 Test runs in his 36th match, Shanto's innings was a testament to individual maturity and leadership determination.

A Day of Resilience and Dominance

Shanto's century was a testament to his growing standing as a Test batter and captain. His survival against the initial barrage and subsequent success against an attack of quality reinforced his burgeoning reputation. The knock was a personal landmark and an indication of intent, providing a firm foundation for Bangladesh's innings.

Watch the video here

Who spoilt his celebration ? Whenever Bangladesh plays Sri Lanka, something like this happens.. 😂 #SLVBAN pic.twitter.com/cqQJt7dfTL

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) June 17, 2025

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Mushfiqur's contribution was also crucial, offering the guile to temper Shanto's aggression. Together, their partnership exasperated Sri Lanka, transforming a jittery beginning into a day of dominance. At stumps, Bangladesh stood tall, with Shanto's captaincy and batting skills indicating their intent in the Test.

Bangladesh is set to begin their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting June 17 at the Galle International Stadium. With renewed focus and clear objectives, Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is determined to carry forward the progress made during the last cycle and deliver more consistent results, especially in home conditions where the Tigers have struggled.

The tour marks a fresh start for Bangladesh in the new WTC cycle and will also serve as a historic moment for Sri Lanka, as veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews prepares to play his farewell Test in the opening match. In the previous cycle (2023–25), Bangladesh managed to win four out of 12 Tests, including three away victories. However, they could secure only one win in six home games, a disappointing statistic that Shanto is eager to reverse. Speaking to the media before the team's departure, the skipper outlined his vision for improvement in home conditions.

Captain’s Focus: Building on Progress

"We have to win our home matches. In the last cycle [WTC 2023–2025], we performed really poorly at home. If we had won more matches there, it would have reflected on our overall number of wins. So, our goal is to improve in that area. We have specific plans to improve. Since we did well in away matches last time, that will give us confidence this year. If we can continue to perform in away conditions, it will help us grow in this cycle," Shanto said during a press conference.

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The left-hander also highlighted the importance of gradual progress and realistic ambitions, pointing to the upward trend from the previous cycle. "It's a big dream, and it would be a bit naive to think that far ahead right now. If we can progress step by step, that would be great. If you look back, we won one Test before the last cycle. But in the last cycle, we had won four. That's progress. This time, the goal is to win two or three more matches than before. If we can take these small steps, then why not? Someday, Bangladesh will play in the final. But it's important that we achieve better results than in the last cycle," he added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its central contract list for 2025, including 22 players. Most of them were part of Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai and Pakistan. Mahmudullah has told the BCB that he doesn’t want to continue with a national contract after February 2025, so he will be left out from March onward.  

Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently retired from ODIs, will be moved to Grade B from March. Wicketkeeper Parvez Hossain Emon, who wasn’t part of the Champions Trophy squad, has also been left out. Under the new contract system, Grade A+ players will earn 10 lakh taka per month, while Grade A players will receive 8 lakh. Those in Grade B and C will get 6 and 4 lakh taka, respectively, and Grade D players will receive 2 lakh.  

Bangladesh Cricket Team Central Contracts 2025

ALSO READ: New Zealand Announces T20I Squad for Pakistan Series; IPL Players excluded

Bangladesh struggled in the Champions Trophy, losing all three of their matches. They fought hard but couldn’t overcome India and New Zealand, while their final game against Pakistan was washed out. Up next, Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe in a two-Test series starting on April 20.

Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down as Bangladesh T20I Captain

Najmul Hossain Shanto has decided to step down as the T20I captain of Bangladesh, ending his tenure in the shortest format of the game. This decision follows earlier deliberations about resigning, which were initially reconsidered due to encouragement from Faruque Ahmed, the former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president. Despite this, Shanto has now made up his mind to relinquish the role.

However, Shanto will continue as the captain for Bangladesh's ODI and Test teams, where he remains a crucial leader.

Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as Bangladesh T20I captain, but will continue to lead in Tests and ODIs 🇧🇩

Full story: https://t.co/BEzmTQf67M pic.twitter.com/3HYFV4KaSy

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 2, 2025

Official Resignation and BCB's Response

As per reports from Cricbuzz, Shanto officially informed the BCB about his intention to step down as T20I captain. The board accepted his request and has decided not to rush the selection of a new leader, given the lack of immediate T20I fixtures.

A BCB official stated, “Shanto has informed us that he doesn’t wish to lead in T20Is anymore, and we have accepted that. Since there are no T20Is scheduled soon, we have time to decide on a new captain. Assuming no injuries occur, Najmul will remain our captain for Tests and ODIs, which we have already talked about.”

ALSO READ:India's XI for the 5th Test vs Australia: A Strategic Mix of Experience and Youth

Litton Das: The Likely Successor

While no official announcement has been made, Litton Das appears to be the frontrunner to replace Shanto as the T20I captain. Litton recently led Bangladesh to a series sweep against the West Indies, further cementing his candidacy for the role.

Litton has captained Bangladesh in four T20I matches, winning three and losing just one. In comparison, Shanto’s record as captain includes 24 matches with 10 victories, 13 losses, and one no-result. This gives Shanto a win rate of 41.66%, with losses accounting for 54.16%.

Future Challenges and Upcoming Matches

As Shanto transitions from T20I leadership, his focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Bangladesh is slated to face India in their opening match on February 20 in Dubai. Placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, Bangladesh faces a tough challenge ahead. Many expect Shanto to play a vital role in steering the team through this high-profile tournament.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto doesn’t want to lead the Bangladesh Test cricket team. He is likely to end his Test captaincy at the end of the ongoing home Test series against South Africa. 

Bangladesh are currently busy hosting South Africa in a two-match Test series. While Bangladesh lost the first Test by seven wickets at Mirpur, Chattogram will host the second Test from October 29. 

Shanto recently led the Bangladesh team to win a Test series in Pakistan

Last August, Shanto led the Bangladesh Test team to create history in Pakistan. In that tour, Bangladesh not only beat Pakistan in Test cricket for the first time, but they also secured that away Test series.

However, in their next tour in India, Bangladesh lost the Test series by 2-0. Further, the Tigers lost the three-match T20I series by 3-0. 

Due to suffering three straight losses, Bangladesh have slipped down to the eighth position in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table. 

Now, Shanto wants to step down from the captaincy role in Test cricket. A top BCB official also confirmed it to Cricbuzz.

The Cricbuzz report claimed that the official said, "Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series.”

Later, the Bangladesh captain also talked about his present status. Shanto told Cricbuzz, “Let's see what happens (as far as leading Bangladesh is concerned) because I am still waiting to hear it from the president (BCB).”

Shanto has led the Bangladesh team in nine Test matches, where his team won three and lost six games. 

Bangladesh cricket experiencing many key changes

We can even experience Shanto’s resignation from the captaincy role in all formats. His captaincy is always under scrutiny due to a lack of consistent success. 

According to media reports, Shanto decided to step down from the T20I captaincy after their elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Later, he reportedly decided to resign from leadership roles in all formats. However, he is currently active in leading the team in all three formats. 

Bangladesh cricket is now facing some massive changes. In the current political turmoil in the country, Bangladesh cricket has already seen its presidential change along with the head coach controversy and change. The senior cricketers are also deciding to retire from at least one or two formats. 

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has revealed that their recent Test successes in Pakistan have added more confidence in the team for the upcoming India tour. 

Bangladesh recently concluded a two-match Test series against the hosts Pakistan. That Test series was a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, where Bangladesh concluded the Test series by winning 2-0. Before that Test series, Bangladesh never won a Test match against Pakistan. 

Now, Bangladesh are set to travel to India for a two-match Test series, which is also a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. The Test series will begin in Chennai on September 19. 

SEE ALSO: India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill to miss Bangladesh T20 Series

We have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto

In their 13 Tests against India, Bangladesh lost 11 matches and drew the other two games. Although Bangladesh captain Shanto is aware of the upcoming challenging series against the hosts India, he also admitted the rising confidence in the team due to recent success in Pakistan. 

Shanto said in the pre-departure press conference in Dhaka, "It will be a challenging series but we have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series. I guess the whole country has that confidence now. Every series is an opportunity. We want to win both Tests, but we have to stick to our process. If we do our job, we can get a good result.”

We want to get the result in the last session of the Test match: Najmul Hossain Shanto

In India, Bangladesh have played three Tests and lost all those matches. Shanto wants to fight in the upcoming Test series, while he also believes that the match result can go in any direction if they manage to stretch the Test matches for a longer period.  

Bangladesh captain added, "They (India) are well ahead of us in the rankings. But we did play well recently. We want to play well for five days, that's our goal. We want to get the result in the last session of the Test match. At that time, the match can go in any direction. It is an opportunity [to get our first win in India]. We will play with a win in mind. But we don't want to think too far ahead. We want to do well for five days, and play to our strength. That's most important."

Shanto also pointed out their strong bowling attack. While spinners have huge experience, the pacers are also learning very well. Bangladesh captain believes that all the players will give their 100 percent for the team to achieve brighter results.

Shanto said, "We are in a good place with our bowling attack, both spin and pace. Perhaps our pacers are behind them in terms of experience but our spin attack is close to theirs. They can bowl in any conditions. All I can say is that our pacers, spinners, and batters will give 100%.

"I think we can make a difference only if we play as a team. It is not just the spinners but the pacers and the batters also. The whole team has to play together."

In the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table, India are on top and Bangladesh are in the fourth position. 

After the Test series, Bangladesh will also play a three-match T20I series against the hosts India. 

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is determined to carry forward the momentum and belief from their recent historic series win against Pakistan into their upcoming fixtures. The Bangla Tigers, who had never previously won a Test match against Pakistan, stunned the hosts by securing a 2-0 series victory, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's cricketing history.

Historic win over Pakistan fuels confidence

Bangladesh’s triumph over Pakistan is only their third overseas Test series win in 24 years. The team overcame their past failures and dominated the series, leaving Pakistan winless at home since 2021. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Shanto emphasized that belief was the driving factor behind their victory, helping them defeat a strong Pakistan side. The win has given the team newfound confidence, with Shanto stating, "It was from my belief after seeing how hard the players worked." He also added that the success will inspire Bangladesh in future overseas matches.

"One word: belief. It feels great when you are winning. It is important to enjoy these moments. I think such a moment has never come in Bangladesh team's history. Cricketers look for references. Now we have one. We know that we have the ability to win abroad," Shanto told ESPNCricinfo.

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Bangladesh set to face India with renewed belief

Looking ahead, Bangladesh will take on India in a two-match Test series starting on September 19. Despite Bangladesh’s dismal record against India in Tests, with 11 losses in 13 matches, Shanto is confident the team will play with belief and determination. Recalling their close encounter in December 2022, when India narrowly escaped defeat, Shanto said, "The next time we play, I don’t know about the result, but we will surely have the belief that we can win." Bangladesh aims to break new records and challenge India with the same determination that saw them triumph over Pakistan.