Here we go again ; Bangladeshi captain Nazmul Shanto wants to step down after SA test series

 Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed a desire to step down as Bangladesh's captain following the ongoing Test series against South Africa, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Shanto, who currently leads Bangladesh across all formats, informed senior board officials of his wish after Bangladesh’s seven-wicket loss to South Africa in the first Test in Dhaka. However, the BCB has yet to discuss the matter formally, as president Faruque Ahmed is out of the country and is expected back in Dhaka on Monday evening.

If Shanto’s resignation is accepted, the BCB will need to quickly appoint a new captain amid a busy schedule. Bangladesh will face South Africa in the second Test from October 29 to November 2, followed by a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE, beginning November 6. Soon after, they’ll head to the West Indies for an all-format series, with a three-day tour match starting on November 15 before the opening Test.

Sources indicate Shanto’s fluctuating batting form played a role in his decision. Since taking over as Test captain last November, his batting average has slipped to 25.76, though he was one of the team’s most consistent batters at the time. He was subsequently given the ODI and T20I captaincy to lead the team through a transition period as several senior players are nearing retirement from certain formats. Despite the challenges, Shanto has led Bangladesh to notable successes, including a Test win over New Zealand last year and a series win against Pakistan this August.