Shanto To Lead In NZ Tests

Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to captain the Bangladesh team in the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand at home later this month.

This decision stems from the absence of several key players, including Liton Das, who requested a one-month leave to be with his wife and newborn child. BCB's cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, revealed that regular skipper Shakib Al Hasan is sidelined due to an injury sustained during the World Cup, and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed won't be available due to a recurring shoulder injury.

The first Test is scheduled to commence on November 28 in Sylhet, followed by the second match in Dhaka on December 6. Yunus emphasized that Liton Das was granted the requested leave, even though there was an initial suggestion for him to play at least one Test.

Yunus acknowledged that a player's willingness to participate in national team duties is essential and cannot be compelled, stating, "If someone doesn't want to play, you can't force him to play for the national team. The professionalism must come from his heart."

Additionally, the BCB official mentioned that they would assess Shakib's injury and engage in discussions with him later to determine whether he will lead the team in the white-ball series against New Zealand in December.