Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named Bangladesh’s new ODI cricket captain for a year, beginning with the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka. His appointment signifies a strategy shift, with Bangladesh now employing three distinct captains across formats. Mehidy steps up following Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will continue as Test captain, while Litton Das leads in T20Is.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mehidy stated, “It is a huge honour for me to be entrusted with this responsibility by the board. Leading the country is a dream for any cricketer and I am grateful for the confidence the Board has shown in me. I have every faith in this team. We have the talent and the belief to play fearless cricket. I want us to perform with confidence, play without inhibition, and continue giving our best for the country.”
Previously, Mehidy captained Bangladesh in four ODIs when Shanto was sidelined due to injury. These games ended in defeat, yet his leadership in a Test match draw in Jamaica showcased his potential. With 105 ODIs under his belt, Mehidy is the fourth Bangladeshi to achieve the milestone of scoring 1,000 runs and taking 100 wickets.
According to Nazmul Abedeen, BCB’s cricket operations chairman, “The board felt that Miraz’s consistent performances with the bat and ball, his ability to fight and inspire the team, and his energetic presence on and off the field make him an ideal candidate to lead the ODI side during a transitional time. We believe he has the temperament and maturity to take Bangladesh forward in this format.”
Shanto, who became captain in all formats in February last year, will stay involved in leadership. Abedeen acknowledged Shanto’s valuable contribution: “We take this opportunity to thank Shanto for the positivity and character he has demonstrated as captain. He remains very much a part of the leadership group and we know how important his batting is to the team.”
Under Shanto’s leadership, Bangladesh secured four victories in 13 ODIs since 2023, including a series win against Sri Lanka. However, recent losses to New Zealand and Afghanistan, alongside an early exit from the Champions Trophy, highlight the challenges ahead.
The decision to appoint Mehidy also considers long-term goals, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in sight. Ranked 10th, Bangladesh must elevate to the top eight for automatic World Cup qualification, an objective mirroring the broader ambitions tied to Mehidy’s leadership.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
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