Bangladesh Test Captain Najmul Hossain Resigns After Sri Lanka Defeat

Najmul Hossain has resigned from his position as the captain of the Bangladesh Test team. The announcement follows Bangladesh's recent defeat to Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Najmul Hossain Shanto recently lost ODI captaincy © AFP

Najmul addressed the media during the post-match press conference, stating, "I have an announcement to make. I am stepping down from the Bangladesh Test captaincy. I don't want to continue as captain in this format."

He emphasized that his decision was not personal but made "entirely for the betterment of the team." He believes this change will positively impact the team's performance.

Concerns Over Multiple Captains

Najmul voiced his concern about having separate captains for each format of the game. Bangladesh recently appointed Mehidy Hasan as the ODI captain, and Najmul had previously relinquished his role as T20I captain.

He elaborated, "Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to be in this dressing room, and I don't feel it is logical to have three captains for three formats... In my view, having three captains will be difficult for the team. So, for the betterment of the team, I am stepping down."

Najmul clarified that he respects whatever decision the cricket board makes. He hopes his decision isn't perceived as a reaction to losing the ODI captaincy, reiterating that it's "for the betterment of the team."

He also mentioned that he had informed the cricket operations department of his decision a few days prior to the announcement.