Miraz to lead ODIs until 2027, Litton to captain T20Is through 2028 World Cup

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday announced a major decision to retain Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the ODI captain until 2027. At the same time, it confirmed that Litton Das will continue to lead the T20I side through to the 2028 World Cup.

The decision was made as part of a long-term plan, said BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim after a board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

“Our T20 captain’s tenure was until the 2026 World Cup. So we have decided to extend the tenure of the current captain and vice-captain until the 2028 World Cup. At the same time, the ODI captain’s tenure was also nearing its end. We believe that if captains get uninterrupted time, they can build and shape the team more effectively,” he said.

Miraz has been leading the side for about a year, and Fahim noted that his performance and leadership qualities played a key role in the decision. “With the World Cup ahead, we wanted to give him more time so he can organise and strengthen the team,” he added.

The BCB also made changes to its coaching structure by appointing former left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique as a spin-bowling consultant on a one-year contract.

Fahim said, “There is currently a shortage of spin-bowling coaches in the country. Rafique’s experience and mindset will be very beneficial for young spinners. We hope he can contribute to the development of bowlers at junior, intermediate, and senior levels.”

He further mentioned that while the country has around eight to ten pace-bowling coaches, there are very few spin coaches, which is concerning. Plans are in place to develop more specialists in this area.

In addition, the board approved a new selection panel led by former captain Habibul Bashar Sumon. Discussions were also held on formulating a new HR policy and introducing a pension scheme for umpires and players.

The BCB is also considering reintroducing an awards ceremony for players and creating overseas scholarship opportunities for sports journalists. There are plans to publish a sports journal every three months as well.

The board also expressed its willingness to assist the government in investigating any irregularities in the country’s sports sector.