Bangladesh Retains Shanto Captaincy, Names Squad for Sri Lanka Tests

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as the Test captain for another year, leading a 16-member squad in the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka that begins their 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship campaign. Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz remains in his role, supporting a team blending experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque with emerging talents such as Nahid Rana. Key inclusions include the return of fast bowler Ebadot Hossain after an injury layoff since July 2023, wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das returning from injury, and left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, while players from the recent Zimbabwe series like Tanvir Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy were omitted. The series starts in Galle on June 17 and continues in Colombo on June 25, marking a critical opportunity for Bangladesh to establish momentum in the new WTC cycle. Despite Shanto's previous desire to step down due to mental strain and form issues, a mutual agreement with the BCB has extended his captaincy, signaling confidence in his leadership. The squad reflects Bangladesh's strategic focus on balancing experience with fresh energy as they prepare for a challenging series against Sri Lanka.