Colombo, June 28, 2025: Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as the captain of Bangladesh’s Test team following a heavy innings defeat against Sri Lanka in the second Test of the two-match series, local media reported on Saturday.
The decision comes in the wake of Bangladesh’s innings and 78-run loss, which handed Sri Lanka a 1-0 series win. According to reports, Shanto informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of his decision shortly after the match, citing a lack of interest in continuing in the leadership role — particularly after being removed as ODI captain earlier this year.
Shanto had taken over the Test captaincy ahead of the home series against New Zealand in November 2023, leading the side in 14 matches. During his tenure, Bangladesh won four Tests, including a historic back-to-back win against Pakistan in August 2024, while losing nine. The only draw came in the opening Test against Sri Lanka earlier this week.
Individually, Shanto performed admirably with the bat as captain, averaging 36.24 — significantly better than his average of 29.83 when not leading. In victories under his captaincy, he averaged 37.16, reinforcing his value as a top-order batter even as leadership pressures mounted.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka wrapped up the Test series in commanding fashion, posting 458 in reply to Bangladesh’s 247, and then skittling the visitors for just 133 in their second innings, avoiding the need to bat again.
Prabath Jayasuriya starred with the ball, claiming 5 for 56, supported by Dhananjaya de Silva, Tharindu Ratnayake, and Asitha Fernando. Pathum Nissanka, who scored a century in each match, was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Looking ahead, the teams will now shift focus to white-ball cricket, with a three-match ODI series starting July 2 in Colombo, followed by the second ODI on July 5 at the same venue, and the final match on July 8 in Pallekele.
