Mehidy Hasan Miraz appointed Bangladesh ODI captain, taking over from Shanto

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named the new captain of the men’s One Day International (ODI) side by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). For the next 12 months, the 27-year-old will be the team’s leader, succeeding Najmul Hossain Shanto.

In July, Mehidy Hasan will take the helm for the first time during Bangladesh’s forthcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. He acknowledged that for him and his family, captaining the national team is a gratifying moment and a dream come true. He also expressed confidence in the team’s potential to perform well for the nation and highlighted the quality in the group.

“Being the national team’s captain is an incredible opportunity. I am immensely delighted to have been trusted by the Board. For my family and me, this is a proud time. I have faith in our team because we possess the abilities and mentality to play cricket without fear. Mehidy told the ICC, “I want us to play with heart for the country, remain dedicated, and express ourselves confidently.”

Prior to Shanto’s absence, the off-spinner captained Bangladesh in four ODIs. Mehidy Hasan has amassed 1,617 runs and claimed 110 wickets in 105 games during his ODI career to far. According to the ICC rankings, he is presently rated fourth among ODI all-rounders.

Mehidy Hasan also becomes one of the few Bangladeshi cricketers to reach the 1,000-run and 100-wicket mark in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), along with Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe Mortaza, and Shakib Al Hasan. He was appointed vice-captain of Bangladesh’s Test team earlier this year for the forthcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which starts in Sri Lanka on June 17.

Mehidy Hasan has constantly performed well with the bat and the ball and exudes tenacity: Abedeen

According to Nazmul Abedeen, the chairman of the BCB Cricket Operations Committee, Mehidy Hasan steady play earned him the position of leader. He also underlined that Shanto will remain an important member of the team’s batting lineup and commended him for displaying such character.

“Mehidy Hasan has continuously performed well with the bat and the ball, and he instills in the team a sense of perseverance and contagious enthusiasm. Aberdeen stated, “He is a suitable choice to lead the team through this transitional phase in our ODI journey because of his performances, leadership abilities, and general maturity.”

“We appreciate Shanto’s positive attitude and moral qualities throughout his time as captain. He is still a vital member of our leadership team and a vital member of the batting unit,” he said.