Najmul Hossain Shanto Named Bangladesh ODI Captain for Afghanistan Series

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. The decision was made after a meeting between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed on Thursday evening, where Shanto expressed his desire to step down as Bangladesh's all-format captain.

The BCB has not yet announced the squads for the subsequent tour of the West Indies, where Bangladesh will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. However, Faruque has indicated that Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed are the frontrunners for the captaincy role.

The ODI squad for the Afghanistan series includes all three potential captains. Nahid Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler, is the only uncapped player in the side. Rana has impressed with his pace and bounce in five Tests, taking 26 wickets at an average of 16.46 in ten List-A matches.

The selectors have also recalled opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. Zakir has played only one ODI and 12 Tests, while Nasum has featured in 15 ODIs, including the 2023 World Cup in India.

Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud have been omitted from the squad. Mahmud is out due to a shoulder injury, while Shakib Al Hasan has voluntarily withdrawn from the series. Litton Das is also unavailable due to fever.

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

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