Wed Nov 06 13:24:25 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh Appoints New Captain for Afghanistan ODI Series
**Sharjah, November 2 (IANS):** The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah next week. This decision comes after Shanto requested to step down as captain across all formats.
The decision was made after a discussion between Shanto and BCB President Faruque Ahmed on Thursday following Bangladesh’s recent Test match in Chattogram. While Shanto will lead the team against Afghanistan, the BCB has not yet made any long-term decisions about the captaincy or the team for the West Indies tour later in November, where Bangladesh will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has been named vice-captain for the Afghanistan series, is being considered a frontrunner for future captaincy, with Taskin Ahmed also seen as a strong contender. Both players are in the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series and have demonstrated leadership qualities. Taskin, with his pace and experience, has been a mainstay of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, while Miraz’s all-round abilities make him a versatile player.
The squad also includes 22-year-old uncapped pacer Nahid Rana, who is set to make his ODI debut. Known for his impressive pace and bounce, Rana has taken 26 wickets in List A cricket at an average of 16.46, injecting fresh talent into the team. Opening batsman Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed are also making a comeback to the squad. Zakir, who has played one ODI and 12 Tests, will bring depth to the top order, while Nasum will provide spin options, having last represented Bangladesh in the 2022 World Cup.
However, the team will miss some key names. Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s star players, has opted out of the series. Liton Das, who missed the recent Chattogram Test due to fever, will also be unavailable. Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, are also not part of the squad.
Bangladesh will depart for Dubai in two groups over the weekend, with the matches scheduled to be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 6, 9, and 11.
**The squad for the Afghanistan series is:** Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
First Piper 