Bangladesh cricket team batter Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down as the side’s Test captain following the loss to Sri Lanka in Colombo. Earlier, reports had stated that the star had already communicated his desire to do so as he was miffed with being removed as ODI captain abruptly. Bangladesh were beaten by en innings and 78 runs and lost what is the last series under’ captain Shanto ends in a defeat.
Shanto opposes BCB’s split captaincy policy
Speaking to media, Shanto called it not sensible to have three different captains for formats. He stated that it would be very tough for Bangladesh to deal with it. However, Shanto said that it was his personal decision and that he will support the BCB. The Bangladesh batter also said it was for the betterment of the team.
“This is not personal. I have taken the decision for the betterment of the team. I think this will help the team. I have been a part of the dressing room for the past few years. I think three captains 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,” Shanto said.
Shanto unhappy to be replaced as ODI captain
Shanto was replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the ODI captain in a shocking move earlier in June. Despite the batter informing the board that he intends to stay as the skipper for ODIs and Tests, he was shunted out. Further, reports claim that Shanto was expecting to lead the side in the three-match series against Sri Lanka and was about to sit down with head coach Phil Simmons to discuss strategy when he was informed of the BCB’s decision to replace him.
“Coming to Shanto’s point, his captaincy was not taken away, rather the decision was taken with everyone’s consent in the board. We decided to have a new and different plan. As we are currently playing lots of matches of all formats, we wanted to go with three different captains,” BCB president Aminul Islam had said earlier.
