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Shakib to continue as Tigers' captain, confirms BCB

Mahmudullah likely to earn a place in T20 squad

FE Team | Published: December 13, 2023 00:25:23

Shakib to continue as Tigers' captain, confirms BCB

Following Shakib Al Hasan's recent remarks to prioritise playing for the Bangladesh national team over franchise leagues, Jalal Younus, chairman of the cricket operation at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), affirmed that Shakib will retain his role as captain, reports UNB.
Despite speculation during the ICC World Cup that Shakib might step down from the captaincy, BCB's statement suggests otherwise.
"It's good news that Shakib will focus more on national duty," Jalal told reporters on Tuesday. "We also want him to play in all formats for Bangladesh," he added.
Jalal clarified that there has been no discussion with Shakib regarding any reluctance to continue as captain.
"Shakib was appointed captain for an extended period, and there has been no other discussion," he said.
He further said that Najmul Hossain Shanto is currently appointed as captain for the two series against New Zealand. However, both Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are under consideration for future captaincy roles.
The Bangladesh team is currently touring New Zealand to play a three-match ODI and three-match T20 series, starting on December 19 with the first ODI.
Meanwhile, right-handed batter Mahmudullah Riyad emerged as Bangladesh's top performer in the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, making a strong comeback after being sidelined in the lead-up to the tournament, reports UNB.
The question now looming in the cricketing fraternity is whether the 37-year-old batter will secure a spot in Bangladesh's T20 team.
Despite his age and having played his last T20 over a year ago, Jalal Younus, the chairman of cricket operations at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), suggested that Mahmudullah could earn a place based on performance and the team's needs
"If Mahmudullah fits our T20 team, it is a matter for the selectors and the team management," Jalal told reporters on Tuesday in Mirpur.
With 121 T20s and 2000 runs, including six fifties, Mahmudullah served as the former captain of the Bangladesh T20I team.
As the Bangladesh team embarks on a New Zealand tour for a three-match ODI and three-match T20 series, Mahmudullah is not part of either squad.

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