The Bangladesh Test captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has slammed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director, M Najmul Islam, for his comments on the former captain and the expressive opening batter, Tamim Iqbal. The director faced heavy criticism after calling the southpaw an ‘Indian agent’ after Tamim urged the BCB to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India.

Islam commented on Facebook before it was deleted later on. The controversy came after the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli hilariously mimics Arshdeep Singh’s bowling style ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI

“Very sad, very sad because such comments were made about a cricketer, a former captain, and in my opinion, one of Bangladesh's most successful cricketers whom we grew up watching. As players, we expect respect, whether someone is a former captain, a regular player, successful or not. At the end of the day, a cricketer hopes for respect.” Shanto expressed, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Najmul Hossain Shanto angry over BCB director’s comment on Tamim Iqbal

The BCB has sent two letters to the ICC, raising their specific concerns over travelling to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. They also repeated the request to move India’s games to Sri Lanka, as the event is scheduled to begin on February 07.

“What hurts most is that the cricket board is supposed to be our guardian. We expect them to protect us. As a player, I cannot accept such a comment. Parents should correct you at home, not in front of everyone. So such a comment from someone who is supposed to be our guardian is very difficult to accept. I completely reject it as a player.” Shanto added.

Bangladesh will start their campaign at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where they will play their three group-stage clashes against West Indies, Italy and England, before the team moves to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for their last group-stage game against Nepal on February 17.

Chattogram Royals are set to take on Rajshahi Warriors in Match No. 19 of the BPL 2025–26 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 9. With both teams in strong form, the contest promises to be a competitive one. The Royals will look to take advantage of their current momentum and continue their impressive run, while the Warriors will be eager to challenge the table-toppers. As the race for playoff spots intensifies, this clash could play a key role in shaping the standings.

The Chattogram Royals currently lead the points table with four wins from six matches, having delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament. They will aim to strengthen their hold at the top with another victory. Meanwhile, the Rajshahi Warriors sit fourth, boasting three wins from four games. Known for their strong chasing ability, they have put opponents under pressure in recent matches. The Warriors will be keen to extend their winning streak and move up the standings with a strong display.

See Also: 10 Bangladeshi cricketers register for PSL 2026, ft. Mustafizur Rahman

BPL 2025-26, Match 19, CHR vs RJW: Live Streaming Details

BPL 2025-26, Match 19, CHR vs RJW: Probable Playing XIs

Chattogram Royals:

Mohammad Naim, Adam Rossington (wk), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Hasan Nawaz, Asif Ali, Mahedi Hasan (c), Aamer Jamal, Abu Hider Rony, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam

Rajshahi Warriors:

Muhammad Waseem, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Ryan Burl, Yasir Ali, SM Meherob, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondol, Binura Fernando, Hasan Murad

As teams continue to battle for playoff placement in the BPL 2026 season, the Noakhali Express will be looking to break their losing streak when they face off against the Rajshahi Warriors. The Noakhali Express still has not won a match in this tournament. They have lost all five games they played so far, including a loss to the Dhaka Capitals in their last game, where they lost by seven wickets. The Rajshahi Warriors, on the other hand, are doing very well and currently rank fourth overall after winning three of their four games so far this tournament, and their last match was an exciting Super Over win against Rangpur Riders.

This match should provide an opportunity for the Noakhali Express to try and get back into winning ways as they seek out some momentum towards the end of the tournament, while the Rajshahi Warriors will continue to push toward securing playoff placement with a minimum of three more wins in their last four games. Each team will have a different reason for wanting to win the game; for the Noakhali Express, this will be about building on the success they had in their last match against the Dhaka Capitals and trying to turn things around before the end of the tournament. For the Rajshahi Warriors, they want to continue building momentum from their last match before going into the final three weeks of competition.

See Also: BPL 2025/26 controversy erupts as India presenter Ridhima Pathak breaks silence of BPL exit

BPL 2025-26: Match 17, NOE vs RJW: Live Streaming Details

BPL 2025-26: Match 17, NOE vs RJW: Probable Playing XIs

Noakhali Express (NOE):

Maaz Sadaqat, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Haider Ali (C), Munim Shahriar, Mahidul Islam Ankon (WK), Abu Hasim, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Hasan Mahmud, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Zahir Khan.

Rajshahi Warriors (RJW):

Run-outs, on most occasions, are results of utter confusion in the middle between two batters, but it can be of the batters’ not being attentive of the ball as such a hilarious incident took place during the ongoing 2025/26 season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as the captain of the Rajshahi Warriors had to leave the field in a dramatic run-out against the Rangpur Riders.

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet, Rajshahi batted first to post 159 runs on the board in their allotted 20 overs for the loss of eight wickets as only three of their batters made it into the double figures. Rajshahi’s Najmul Hossain Shanto guided the short ball from Nahid Rana into the backward region and went for a single.

See Also: Watch: Faf du Plessis recalls run-out by MS Dhoni from 2016 T20 World Cup against Bangladesh during SA20 2025/26

The fielder had already thrown the ball back to Rana, who fumbled in the first process, standing at the bowler’s mark. But Shanto wasn’t aware of the entire situation and set for a double with Rana, quickly breaking the stumps and dismissing the left-handed batter on 41 runs in 30 balls at a strike rate of 136.67 with the help of five fours and one six.

Najmul Hossain Shanto dismissed for 41 via hilarious run-out

The only bigger contributor than Shanto for the Warriors in the batting department was their opener, Sahibzada Farhan, who smashed a fine knock of 65 runs in 46 balls at a strike rate of more than 140 with the help of eight boundaries and a couple of sixes as they found themselves to 159 in their allotted 20 overs.

Watch the video here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bangladesh Cricket : Tigers (@bangladeshtigers)

In reply, Rangpur Riders, despite being ahead in the clash heading into the last over of the chase, leveled the same score with Dawid Malan remaining unbeaten on 63 runs in 50 balls, while Towhid Hridoy drilled 53 runs in 39 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

The game moved to the super over, where Rajshahi Warriors remained calm and completed the victory. Ripon Mondol was adjudged the player of the match for his excellent last over to take the game to the super over.

Brief Scores: Rajshahi Warriors 159/8 (Sahibzada Farhan 65, Najmul Hossain Shanto 41, Faheem Ashraf 3/43) beat Rangpur Riders 159/6 (Dawid Malan 63*, Towhid Hridoy 53, SM Meherob 2/17) in super-over.

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."

Read More: WI vs AUS 1st Test, Day 3: Key moments and match highlights

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

See Also: India's squad for England Tests Expanded to 19, surprise name added: Report

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.

See Also: WATCH: KL Rahul's special message for Karun Nair ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

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.