BCB reappoint Shakib Al Hasan as the Test captain

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today named all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as the Test captain. He will replace wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim at the helm of affairs. They have also appointed batsman Mahmudullah as the vice-captain of the team.

There were calls for a change after the team’s dismal performance on the tour of South Africa where they failed to register a single victory. This will be Shakib’s return to the lead role in the Test format having held the charge from 2009-2011 before Mushfiqur took over.

“We have decided to change the Test captain. Shakib Al Hasan will be our new Test skipper from the upcoming series and Mahmudullah will be the vice-captain of the side. There will be no changes in the other formats,” BCB chief Nazmul Hasan said.

Ignores the specifics

This brings an end to Mushfiqur’s 6-year stint as the Test skipper as he was appointed the captain in September 2011. Nazmul didn’t divulge the details behind the decision but indicated that they want the 29-year-old to contribute better as a batsman.

“I can’t say that there were some specific reasons behind the decision. Basically, we think that there should be a change here. We want best batting service from Mushfiq. We want to give him some time to relax and moreover he should concentrate on his batting,” he added.

“Overall, we are willing to make a plan for next four to five years and the decision is just the beginning of the new plan. There will be some changes also in other fields as well. But till now, this is the only change which has been made today,” the BCB supremo stated.

Since the former head coach of the national team Chandika Hathurasingha switched sides moving back to his home team Sri Lanka BCB is also looking to finalize his successor. Cricbuzz reported that either Khaled Mahmud or Richard Halsall is expected to take over as the interim coach of the team in case BCB doesn’t manage to appoint someone in time for the Sri Lanka series.