Najmul Hossain Shanto Named Bangladesh Captain for Upcoming ODIs Against Afghanistan

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain for the three One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Afghanistan, set to take place in Sharjah next week. This decision follows discussions between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed, where Shanto expressed his reluctance to continue as captain across all formats.

In the absence of former captain Shakib Al Hasan, who has opted out of the series, and with Litton Das sidelined due to illness, Shanto will lead a squad that features several changes. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named Shanto's deputy for the series, and both Miraz and Taskin Ahmed are being considered as potential future captains, according to Ahmed.

The selectors have also included uncapped fast bowler Nahid Rana, who has shown promise in his brief List-A career, alongside returning players Zakir Hasan and Nasum Ahmed. Rana has taken 26 wickets at an impressive average of 16.46 in ten List-A matches. Zakir, a left-handed opener, has only played one ODI, while Nasum last appeared in the World Cup in India last year.

Notably absent from the squad are Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, the latter of whom is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the National Cricket League.

The Bangladesh team will depart for Dubai in two groups on Saturday and Sunday, with the ODIs scheduled for November 6, 9, and 11 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh ODI Squad: