Bangladesh names Miraz as ODI captain replacing Shanto

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the captain of the ODI team for the next 12 months, replacing Najmul Hossain Shanto.

The 27-year-old allrounder will take over the role in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka next month, the board said in a media statement on Thursday.

Miraz has previously led the Tigers in four ODIs in Shanto’s absence.

Chairman of BCB’s Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen was quoted as saying, “The board felt that Miraz’s consistent performances with the bat and ball, his ability to fight and inspire the team and his energetic presence on and off the field, make him an ideal candidate to lead the ODI side during a transitional time.

“We believe he has the temperament and maturity to take Bangladesh forward in this format.

“We take this opportunity to thank Shanto for the positivity and character he has demonstrated as captain. He remains very much a part of the leadership group and we know how important his batting is to the team,” it added.

With 1617 runs and 110 wickets under his belt in 105 ODIs, Miraj is currently ranked fourth on the ICC ODI allrounders’ list, the highest among Bangladeshi players.

Miraz sits beside the likes of Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan after scoring 1,000 runs alongside picking up 100 wickets in the format.

Reacting to the appointment, Miraz said: “It is a huge honour for me to be entrusted with this responsibility by the board. Leading the country is a dream for any cricketer and I am grateful for the confidence the board has shown in me.

“I have every faith in this team. We have the talent and the belief to play fearless cricket. I want us to perform with confidence, play without inhibition and continue giving our best for the country.”