On June 4, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a press release announcing that Najmul Hossain Shanto (30) has been retained as the Test captain for another year. His vice-captain will be all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz (27).
Background and Objectives
BCB’s Long-Term Plan: Since assuming the captaincy in 2024, Shanto’s leadership of the Test side has proven effective in navigating a demanding international schedule. Consequently, the board has decided to keep him in charge for an additional year.
Importance of the Upcoming Series: This June, the Bangladesh national team will contest a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Those matches will count as the first phase of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
Sri Lanka Tour: Two-Match Test Series
Scheduled Itinerary:
First Test: June 17 at Galle International Stadium
Second Test: June 25 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The squad will depart Bangladesh on June 13 to arrive in time for final preparations.
WTC Implications: The outcome of this series will contribute crucial points toward the 2025–2027 WTC cycle, meaning Bangladesh’s prior performance and future standing will hinge on these results.
Announced 16-Member Test Squad
Below is a brief overview of the sixteen players selected for the Sri Lanka tour, including their roles and key attributes:
1. Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain, Top-Order Batsman) – Awarded the captaincy last year; has consistently delivered solid performances at the top of the order.
2. Mehedi Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain, All-Rounder) – A left-arm spin all-rounder who will play a vital role in strengthening Shanto’s leadership group.
3. Litton Das (Wicketkeeper-Batsman) – Emerged last year as a reliable keeper-batsman, especially noted for his ability to score quickly.
4. Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper-Batsman) – An experienced wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman who can support leadership on the field.
5. Mominul Haque (Top-Order Batsman) – Gained experience gradually since becoming a Test player; expected to anchor the innings early on.
6. Enamul Haque Bijoy (Top-Order Batsman) – If given a chance in the first Test, he can contribute through stroke-play, providing quick runs at the top.
7. Sadman Islam (Top-Order Batsman) – Capable of playing long innings, he can help maintain composure in the longer format and prevent collapses.
8. Mahidul Islam Ankon (Top-Order Batsman) – A young talent added to the squad; anticipated to adapt well to local conditions.
9. Zakir Ali Anik (Middle-Order Batsman) – Can add runs in the middle order and is adept at coming through in critical moments of the innings.
10. Mehedi Hasan Miraz (Opening All-Rounder) – (Also noted above as vice-captain; will contribute as a spin bowler when needed.)
11. Taijul Islam (Leg-Spinner) – Expected to bowl as a supporting spinner; conditions in Galle often favor spin, where he can excel.
12. Naeem Hasan (Leg-Spin All-Rounder) – Skilled in cutter-by-spin variations; often brings extra advantage against left-handed batsmen in the early overs.
13. Ebadot Hossain (Pacer) – Absent from the team for a year due to injury; now medically cleared and returning to bolster the pace attack with cutters and low-bounce bowling.
14. Rubel Hossain (Pacer) – A standard fast bowler who will look to generate pace over long spells and take wickets.
15. Taskin Ahmed (Pace-All-Rounder) – Has shown marked improvement in recent series; can impact matches with a combination of pace and swing in the middle overs.
16. Mominul Islam (Early Pace-All-Rounder) – Returning to the squad as a pace all-rounder; proficient at extracting movement early in the innings to take wickets.
Note: The listed roles are slightly speculative, as the BCB announced only names in the squad. A formal position-based lineup may follow later.
Key Points and Analysis
Maintaining Continuity under Shanto’s Leadership Since taking charge in mid-2024, Shanto has steered the Test side through the 2024–25 season. His guidance helped the team rediscover confidence amid challenging series. The BCB board believes that preserving leadership continuity will be invaluable for the Sri Lanka series and subsequent tours. Therefore, they have extended his captaincy “for another year.”
Miraz’s Contribution as Vice-Captain Miraz has twice been named “Man of the Series” in One Day Internationals, earning recognition as a skillful all-rounder. After orchestrating a successful spin attack on the England tour, he has been entrusted again to provide both tactical leadership and inspiration to the team.
Ebadot’s Comeback Ebadot Hossain, sidelined for a year due to fitness concerns, has returned after passing medical clearance. His balanced pace, cutters, and ability to bowl effectively on lower-bounce surfaces are expected to inject fresh energy into the bowling lineup. In Sri Lankan conditions, where subtle bounce and cutters can unsettle South Asian batsmen, he could be especially effective.
Preparation for a Critical Series Galle wickets generally offer increasing assistance to spinners as matches progress, so Miraz and other spin bowlers will have significant roles to play. In the second Test at Colombo, there is typically a slight edge for pace bowlers—giving opportunities for Ebadot, Mominul, and Rubel to make an impact with pace. In the batting department, a balance of experience (Mominul, Litton, Mushfiq) alongside newer faces (Mahidul, Enamul Bijoy) aims to create a well-rounded lineup.
Driving Forward: WTC Points Accumulation A strong showing on the Sri Lanka tour will yield crucial points toward the 2025–2027 WTC cycle. Good results here will pave the way for smoother planning and confidence heading into larger series—particularly tours of Australia and England. The board’s goal is to avoid disruptive changes and, instead, maintain strategic continuity under Shanto’s leadership.
Summary
Najmul Hossain Shanto: Test captain (retained for another year)
Mehedi Hasan Miraz: Vice-captain, spin all-rounder
Ebadot Hossain: Returning pacer after a long absence
16-Member Squad: A mix of established seniors and emerging youngsters for the Sri Lanka tour
Sri Lanka Series Schedule:
Galle (June 17) – First Test
Colombo (June 25) – Second Test
WTC Context: As part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, this series’ results will help boost Bangladesh in the points table.
