By Zainab Shafiq 
Bangladesh cricket is on the verge of a comprehensive overhaul following their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, with changes ranging from the captaincy for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand to crucial decisions about key players’ futures.
Shakib Al Hasan, both Bangladesh’s ODI and Test captain, is contemplating his future, especially after being ruled out of the remaining World Cup matches due to a fractured finger sustained during the Sri Lanka encounter. While he had announced his intention to step down from ODI captaincy before the World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is not considering it official, stating that he had not formally informed them before the tournament.
In Shakib’s absence, the BCB is faced with the challenge of appointing a captain for the Test series against New Zealand. Litton Das, who took over during the World Cup, seems to have fallen out of favor with the board due to breaks taken during the tournament. The BCB directors are reportedly unhappy, considering Litton lost focus during the World Cup, despite the breaks being granted on “humanitarian” grounds. This uncertainty positions Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as potential captaincy candidates.
Tamim Iqbal’s future in the Test side is also uncertain, having missed the World Cup due to back concerns and not featuring in the ongoing National Cricket League. With both Shakib and Tamim potentially unavailable against New Zealand, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque emerge as the only experienced batters, presenting a challenge for the BCB, which aims for a full-strength squad.
The BCB plans to discuss Shakib’s future in both Tests and ODIs with him soon, acknowledging his outlined retirement plans after the 2025 Champions Trophy. The availability of the bowling unit for the upcoming Tests against New Zealand remains uncertain, depending on their fitness updates post the World Cup. As Bangladesh grapples with these impending changes, the cricket landscape is set for a transformation that could reshape the team’s dynamics in the coming weeks.
Also, see:
ICC Investigates Fraudulent Games in French Women’s Cricket