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June 28, 2025

Najmul Hossain Shanto resigns as Bangladesh Test captain after Sri Lanka series loss

Najmul Hossain Shanto resigns as Bangladesh Test captain after Sri Lanka series loss
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Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as Bangladesh’s Test captain, following a disappointing 1‑0 series loss to Sri Lanka, capped by an innings and 78-run defeat in the second Test at SSC Colombo .

Speaking after the match to ESPN, Shanto emphasised his resignation was “not personal” but intended “fully for the betterment of the team.” He added that having separate captains for each format “is not sensible” and shared that he had informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board several days earlier.

Sri Lanka dominated the Test with an imposing first‑innings total of 458, bolstered by Pathum Nissanka’s 158, Dinesh Chandimal’s 93, and Kusal Mendis’s 84. Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed a key five‑wicket haul, dismissing Bangladesh for just 133 in their second innings.

Shanto was Bangladesh’s top scorer across the series with 300 runs, including twin centuries in Galle’s rain‑affected draw. However, he struggled in the second Test, falling for a modest score before his decision to resign.

Tenure under reflection

  • Shanto led Bangladesh in 14 Tests since his appointment in November 2023. Under his captaincy, the team recorded four wins, nine defeats, and one draw.
     
  • His batting average improved to 36.24 as captain (vs 29.83 previously) and 37.16 in matches won.

With the Sri Lanka series concluded, Bangladesh now turns its attention to upcoming ODI and T20I assignments commencing next week. Mehidy Hasan Miraz continues as ODI captain while Litton Das leads the T20I side. The Bangladesh Cricket Board must now swiftly address the Test leadership vacancy before the next series in October, as the team looks to regroup and pursue World Test Championship points.

Shanto's resignation signals a major shift in the leadership structure, prompted by cricketing and strategic concerns rather than personal factors. Bangladesh now seeks a unified captaincy model to strengthen its Test campaign heading into future tours and the WTC cycle.


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