Bangladesh is making another change at the top of captaincy.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will take over as captain of the national ODIs team, replacing Najmul Hossain Shanto, the BCB said on (13 June) Thursday.
The announcement came just before the team’s departure for a full series against Sri Lanka. The board confirmed Miraz’s appointment in a press release.
This means Shanto will now serve as captain only for the Test team.
Miraz’s leadership in ODIs will begin with the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka and continue for the next 12 months.
For Miraz, this role is somewhat familiar. He has previously captained Bangladesh in four matches when Shanto was unavailable for various reasons.
The decision is based on Miraz’s steady performances with both bat and ball. The board sees him as a player who can inspire and steady the team in a transitional period.
In the press release, BCB Vice President Nazmul Abedin Fahim explained the reasoning.
Miraz’s “consistent performances, fighting spirit, and ability to motivate the team” make him an ideal choice, Fahim said. He also pointed to Miraz’s energetic presence both on and off the field.
“We believe he has the temperament and maturity to guide Bangladesh forward in this format,” Fahim added.
Miraz, speaking about his appointment, called it a “great honor.”
“Leading your country is a dream for any cricketer. I am thankful to the board for the trust they have shown in me,” he said.
This change means Bangladesh now has three different captains across formats. Shanto leads the Test team. Liton Das is the T20 captain. And now Miraz will lead the ODI side.
The board has yet to announce who will serve as vice-captain under Miraz in ODIs.
Before this appointment, Miraz had already been named vice-captain of the Test team for the upcoming season.
For fans watching the team’s direction, this is another clear sign of Bangladesh reshaping its leadership structure. Whether this will bring stability or more changes ahead remains to be seen.
