Not Dropped—Just Uncapped? BCB’s Captaincy Twist Sparks Debate

Just when you thought there were some calm waters to sail on with regards to Bangladesh cricket, the captaincy compass spun yet again. This time, it’s not due to form or injury; it’s due to a miscommunication (or lack of communication) that has created more questions than poor umpiring in an India-Pakistan match. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently attempted to clarify the situation surrounding Najmul Hossain Shanto’s so-called “removal” from the ODI captaincy by stating… wait for it… There wasn’t an ODI captain in the first place! Confused? You’re not alone.

Was Shanto Really Dropped—or Just Not Reappointed?

Let’s make sense of this nonsense. Shanto, who captained the Tigers at the 2025 Champions Trophy, had naively assumed he would be back in command for the ODI series in Sri Lanka. Why not? That is generally how it goes: you finish a tournament without public ridicule or a cacophony of bad results, and you will be getting the second bite at the cherry. But instead, the July 26 announcement of Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s appointment as ODI captain occurred with zero warning or explanation to Shanto.

Finally, Nazmul Abedin, the chairman of BCB’s cricket operations, spoke out during a talk show and explained that Shanto wasn’t sacked… because technically his term as captain ended with the Champions Trophy. So, if there is no one captain and no one is sacked—correct?

Sure, it’s complicated — but let’s be honest, the signs aren’t exactly subtle.

Also read:- Captaincy Call? Why Taijul Islam Might Be Bangladesh’s Best Bet in Tests Right Now

Communication Breakdown—or Just a Board Blunder?

Here’s where the cricketing world—and fans—become agitated. Nazmul maintains that there was not even a formal captain at this point, but the optics were hardly favourable. A player who has just captained the side in the expectation that there is continuity is blind sided until decisions are taken behind closed doors.

Nazmul did say that Shanto could have been reappointed, but wasn’t. He offered the classic line: “There could have been a discussion.” Translation? “A phone call might’ve been a good idea.” It seems less like a smooth transition and more like a group project where one guy finds out they have already submitted the final.

The complete disengagement which he didn’t have a dialogue with someone who had just recently led the team, seems more neglectful than strategic.

Miraz at the Helm: Smooth Sailing or Storm Ahead?

With Mehidy Hasan Miraz now the captain, fans are hopefully optimistic. He’s cool, tactically gifted, and well respected in the dressing room. Even Miraz tried to assuage the tension when he said there wouldn’t be any problems among teammates following the abrupt transition.

However, leadership changes—particularly ambiguous leadership changes—can create uncertainty with respect to team culture and team dynamics. While Shanto could simply be stepping away from Test captaincy after this incident by chance, does it suggest frustration, disappointment, or a form of protest? The timing makes it hard to ignore.

And it raises the bigger philosophical question: are these decisions evidence of an actionable vision or are they simply political reactions in the boardroom?

So was Shanto dropped, benched, or simply lost in an administrative grey area? Sure, BCB’s technical clarification looks good, but the emotional by-product—among players and supporters— feels real.

In the end, it is not about who has the captain’s armbands; it is about how they acquired them. Will this decision unify the Tigers under Miraz, or will there still be some bruised egos hanging about? It is certain of one thing: Bangladesh cricket is always full of drama.