Najmul to be cast aside from test captaincy after SA series following an underwhelming run of results under his leadership.
Najmul Hossain is unlikely to lead after the conclusion of the ongoing Test series at home against South Africa.
In February 2024, the Bangladesh Cricket Board named Najmul captain for a year across all formats, with the expectation that he would lead the team in the Champions Trophy the following year. Najmul has already notified the board that he is leaving his position, though, and is awaiting board president Faruque Ahmed’s confirmation. Ahmed is currently out of the country but is anticipated to return shortly.
“Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series,” a top BCB official confirmed the development.
Najmul admitted to the website about his decision. “Let’s see what happens (as far as leading Bangladesh is concerned). Because I am still waiting to hear it from the president (BCB),” said the skipper without elaborating further.
A senior BCB director is attempting to persuade him to change his mind, but it doesn’t appear likely right now. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Najmul reportedly made the decision to resign as captain of the T20 team. But he then changed his mind and desired to retire from all three formats.
Following a protracted period of poor performance, Najmul’s captaincy has recently been under question from a number of sources. According to another BCB official, the board may decide to give Mehidy Hasan the Test and ODI captaincy. With Towhid Hridoy likely to head the T20 team, if Najmul ultimately declines to lead the team following the current Test series against South Africa.
Najmul captained Bangladesh in nine Test matches, recording three victories and six defeats. The first Test series victory over Pakistan serving as the high point. Bangladesh won three games and lost six in the nine ODIs he captained. He captained the team in 24 T20I matches and recorded 10 victories.