The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Friday 11th August announced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as the new captain of the Bangladesh team, Tamim Iqbal stepped down from the role of captaincy earlier this month. Shakib will be seen leading his team in the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh is yet to announce the squad for the Asia Cup. Tamim is expected to be fit for the New Zealand series and the World Cup.
Tamim’s Temporary Retirement:
Tamim announced his retirement from T20I cricket on 17 June 2022 through a Facebook post stating “Please consider me retired from T20Is from today. Thank you, everyone”.
Later On 6 July 2023, Tamim Announced his Retirement from International Cricket at a sudden press conference.
”Yesterday’s match against Afghanistan was the last match of my career. I’m retiring from international cricket, effective right now. It was not a suddenly taken decision. Was thinking about it for a long time. I’ve even talked to the family about it”.
After Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s intervention, Tamim has withdrawn the decision to retire.
”The Hon’ble Prime Minister invited me personally to her residence, Mashrafe bhai [ Mashrafe Mortaza] was there and Papon bhai [ Nazmul Hassan] was also there. We had a long discussion, a long meeting. The Prime Minister has directed me that I might play. So I’m withdrawing my retirement decision right at this moment. Because I can say no to anybody. But the person who is the biggest [the most important] of the country, it’s impossible for me to turn her down”. He told.
BCB president Nazmul Hassan said:
“Shakib Al Hasan is the captain for the Asia Cup, New Zealand series, and World Cup,” Hassan said.
“Shakib was the obvious choice to captain Bangladesh when the position fell vacant. I am very confident that his exemplary performance, experience, and leadership qualities will galvanise the team as we head into two massive events like the Asia Cup and the World Cup.” He added
The 36-year-old Shakib makes a return as the ODI captain having previously led Bangladesh in 52 ODIs between 2009 and 2017. He replaces Tamim Iqbal who had stepped down from the role earlier this month.