Bangladesh appoint Mehidy Hasan as ODI captain

DHAKA, June 12: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has named all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz

as  the new captain of the men’s ODI team, with the 27-year-old set to lead  the side for the next 12 months.

Miraz takes over the reins from  Najmul Hossain Shanto and will officially begin his tenure during  Bangladesh’s upcoming three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka next month.

Speaking after being appointed captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz felt elated at his appointment.

“Captaining  the national team is a dream come true. I’m incredibly honoured by the  trust the Board has placed in me. This is a proud moment for me and my  family,” Miraz said.

“I believe in this group – we have the skills and  the mindset to play fearless cricket. I want us to express ourselves  confidently, stay committed, and keep playing with heart for the  country,” he said.

The off-spinning all-rounder has previously captained Bangladesh in four ODIs in Shanto’s absence.

With 1617 runs and 110 wickets in 105 ODIs, Miraz is currently ranked No. 4 among ODI all-rounders in the ICC rankings.

He  is also part of an exclusive group of Bangladeshi cricketers, alongside  Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan, to have  completed the 1000 runs and 100 wickets double

in the format.

Earlier,  the all-rounder was named as the vice-captain in Bangaldesh’s Test  squad for their first assignment of the next World Test Championship  cycle next month in Sri Lanka.

BCB Cricket Operations Committee  Chairman Nazmul Abedeen pointed to the all-rounder’s consistency behind  the decision to reward him.

“Miraz has consistently delivered  with both bat and ball and brings a fighting spirit and infectious  energy to the team. His performances, leadership qualities, and overall  maturity make him a fitting choice to guide the team through this  transitional phase in our ODI journey,” he said.

“We’re grateful for the  positivity and character Shanto displayed during his captaincy stint. He  remains an integral part of our leadership group and a key figure in  the batting unit,” Abedeen added.

(UNI)