Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh’s Test and ODI captain, has voiced his desire for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to grant complete autonomy to the captaincy role. Shanto, a leading candidate to continue as captain, emphasized the need for the board to empower the team leader, whether it be himself or another player.
Speaking on the pressures of managing the team across all three formats, Shanto indicated that the responsibilities can be overwhelming. Despite being appointed captain until the 2025 Champions Trophy, he believes that for a captain to truly succeed and take the team forward, they must be given the freedom to make decisions and implement their vision.
Shanto’s leadership capabilities were previously showcased during the 2023 World Cup when he filled in for Shakib Al Hasan. Following a disappointing World Cup campaign and Shakib’s unavailability due to injury, the BCB appointed Shanto as the captain for all formats.
Reflecting on his tenure, Shanto acknowledged a mixed bag of results. Under his leadership, Bangladesh achieved historic milestones, including their first-ever Test win against New Zealand at home in November 2023, and subsequent maiden ODI and T20I victories in New Zealand. However, these triumphs were contrasted by setbacks, such as a whitewash defeat in an ODI series in India.
Addressing team dynamics, Shanto dismissed the notion that changes within the BCB management significantly impacted team performance, particularly during the India tour. While acknowledging potential minor effects, he refuted using it as an excuse for poor results.
Shanto stressed the importance of a supportive environment where the captain’s decisions are respected and prioritized. He believes that granting the captain greater authority, akin to practices in other leading cricket nations, is crucial for Bangladesh to reach its full potential on the global stage.
He further added that open communication and mutual trust between the captain and the board are essential for effective leadership. Shanto hopes that the BCB will consider his appeal and empower the captaincy role, fostering an environment conducive to team success and long-term growth.
Looking ahead, Shanto emphasized the need for a long-term captaincy plan, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. He reiterated that regardless of who assumes the captaincy, that individual should be given a sustained run and the necessary backing to shape the team and lead Bangladesh cricket forward.
While the BCB is yet to formally discuss the captaincy with Shanto, his statements highlight a crucial aspect of team leadership and the importance of empowering the captain to drive the team’s vision and strategy on and off the field. The board’s decision on the captaincy and their approach to team leadership will be pivotal for Bangladesh cricket’s future.
Shanto also expressed positive sentiments about working with head coach Phil Simmons, praising his calm demeanor, strategic acumen, and ability to assign clear roles to each player. He indicated a desire to continue working with Simmons, should both their contracts be renewed.
