In a major development in Bangladesh cricket, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed as the team's ODI captain for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup 2023. Shakib takes the reins from Tamim Iqbal, who stepped down from the post and pulled out from the Asia Cup due to an injury. The all-rounder has pipped other candidates like Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
"We have appointed Shakib as the captain for Asia Cup and World Cup. The World Cup and Asia Cup squads will be announced tomorrow. The selectors will pick a squad of 17 members," Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan told reporters on Friday.
However, Hasan also stated that they will speak to him about his longevity in the role, considering Shakib is also the Test and ODI captain. "We have to know his long-term plan. I spoke to him on the phone yesterday. But it is better if we talk to him in person since he is busy with a franchise league currently. We will also talk about which format he will keep leading, whether it is all three formats or one or two of them," he added.
BCB did not decide captain in an emergency meeting earlier
The BCB held an emergency meeting earlier this week but did not decide the captain's name in it. The board reportedly wanted to speak to the candidates and take their viewpoint on the move. Shakib was considered a front-runner, however, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were also in the race. BCB President Hasan had stated that Shakib was an 'easy decision' to make but his workload was reportedly under the scanner. Shakib is also the captain in Tests and T20Is.
Tamim Iqbal resigned from the post
Meanwhile, the opening batter Tamim Iqbal resigned from ODI captaincy after he pulled out from the Asia Cup due to a recurring back injury. He is preparing to return into action from the ODI series against New Zealand, which will be played from September 21 onwards. His move came less than one month after he shockingly announced his retirement from International cricket. However, the star player withdrew his retirement decision after a meeting with Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on the next day.
