When Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the 27‑year‑old all‑rounder, was announced as the new captain of Bangladesh’s One Day International side, fans across the sub‑continent felt a mix of relief and curiosity.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the appointment on June 12, 2025, handing Miraz a 12‑month tenure that kicks off with a three‑match ODI series in Sri Lanka the following month.
Here’s the thing: Miraz replaces Najmul Hossain Shanto, who not only stepped down as ODI skipper but also resigned as Test captain amid a swirling leadership reshuffle.
Why the Change Matters
Chairman of the BCB’s Cricket Operations Committee, Naz Mul Abedeen, explained that the board saw Miraz’s “consistent performances, fighting spirit and energetic presence” as exactly what the squad needs during what he called a "transitional time."
"We believe he has the temperament and maturity to take Bangladesh forward in this format," Abedeen said in a press briefing. "We also thank Shanto for his positivity and character; he remains a key part of our leadership group."
That quote underscores a delicate balance: the board wants continuity while also injecting fresh direction. The timing is crucial, as the ODI team sits at No. 10 in the ICC rankings and faces a packed calendar that includes the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the looming 2027 World Cup cycle.
Miraz’s Resume in a Nutshell
Miraz isn’t a stranger to the captain’s chair. He led Bangladesh in four ODIs when Shanto was unavailable, giving him a taste of the responsibilities that come with wearing the whites.
Statistically, he’s a force: 1,617 runs and 110 wickets from 105 ODIs, ranking fourth among all‑rounders in the ICC ODI rankings. He also joins an elite trio—Mohammad Rafique, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan—as the only Bangladesh players to pass 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs.
His bowling peaked at No. 2 in the ICC rankings in May 2021, making him the third Bangladeshi bowler ever to reach that spot after Shakib and Abdur Razzak. And remember that 81‑not‑out against Afghanistan in Chattogram (Feb 2022)? It’s still the highest chase score from number 8 or lower.
Perhaps the most iconic moment came on December 7, 2022, when Miraz smashed 100 not‑out off 83 balls in Dhaka against India. That innings not only sealed the series but also made him the second batsman at number 8 to notch an ODI century, sharing the record for the highest score at that position.
First Reactions From the Camp
On hearing the news, Miraz was quick to thank the board. "It’s a huge honour to be entrusted with this responsibility," he said. "Leading the country is a dream for any cricketer. I have every faith in this team—we have the talent and the belief to play fearless cricket."
A follow‑up statement reported by the ICC echoed the sentiment: "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 my family and me. We’ll play with heart for the country."
Shanto, meanwhile, admitted that having three captains across formats might not be ideal, but insisted his decision to step down was not personal. His departure leaves a leadership vacuum that Miraz must fill quickly, especially with the Sri Lanka series looming.
Challenges on the Horizon
The immediate task for Miraz is tactical: where does he slot himself in the batting order? Historically a "floater," he’s batted anywhere from number 5 to number 8. His choice will signal his strategic mindset and could affect the team’s stability.
Beyond the lineup, he inherits a side that has struggled to convert good starts into victories. Bangladesh’s low ranking reflects inconsistent middle‑order contributions and a bowling attack that often leaks runs in the death overs. Miraz’s dual skill set—sharp off‑spin and handy lower‑order hitting—might help bridge that gap, but he’ll need to rally the senior core, including veterans like Mahmudullah Riyad and young fast bowlers such as Nasum Ahmed.
Moreover, the BCB is eyeing the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Bangladesh has been drawn in a tough pool. A successful Sri Lanka tour could set the tone, but a shaky start might deepen doubts about the board’s leadership overhaul.
Looking Ahead: The Calendar
Miraz’s 12‑month captaincy spans a busy schedule:
- July 2025 – Three‑match ODI series in Sri Lanka.
- September 2025 – ICC Champions Trophy in India.
- Late 2025 – Home ODI series against Australia and England.
- Early 2026 – Final preparatory matches before the 2027 World Cup qualifying window.
These fixtures will test his cricketing acumen and his ability to manage egos. The board has signaled that performance will dictate whether his tenure extends beyond June 2026.
Why It Matters to Fans
For the average Bangladeshi supporter, Miraz’s appointment is a reminder that the team is evolving. His personal journey—from a promising youngster in the 2015 World Cup squad to a seasoned all‑rounder—mirrors the nation’s own rise in international cricket.
And there’s a emotional angle: Miraz’s family watched his first ODI at the age of 15, and now they’re cheering from the stands as he dons the captain’s armband. That narrative, coupled with his on‑field heroics, gives the fans a relatable hero to rally behind.
Bottom line: The next few months will be a litmus test for whether Bangladesh can translate individual brilliance into collective success.
Key Takeaways
- Miraz becomes Bangladesh ODI captain for 12 months, starting with the Sri Lanka series. \n
- The move is part of a broader leadership transition after Shanto’s double resignation.
- Miraz’s all‑round credentials make him the highest‑ranked Bangladeshi all‑rounder (No. 4) in ICC ODI rankings.
- Success will hinge on his tactical decisions, especially batting order, and his ability to unify a team at No. 10 in the world.
- The upcoming calendar includes the Champions Trophy and crucial home series that could shape Bangladesh’s World Cup 2027 prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Miraz’s captaincy affect Bangladesh’s ODI ranking?
If Miraz can stabilize the middle order and extract consistent performances from the bowling unit, Bangladesh could climb a few places by the end of 2025. However, a poor start in Sri Lanka or the Champions Trophy may keep the team stuck near the bottom of the top‑10.
What are the biggest challenges Miraz faces as a new captain?
He must decide his own batting slot, manage senior players’ expectations, and turn a relatively young side into a cohesive unit—all while under pressure to deliver results in high‑profile tournaments.
Why did Najmul Hossain Shanto resign as Test captain?
Shanto cited uncertainty over having three different captains across formats as a reason. He emphasized that the decision wasn’t personal but stemmed from a broader strategic debate within the BCB.
When does Miraz’s 12‑month captaincy term end?
The tenure runs from the announcement on June 12, 2025, and is set to conclude on June 12, 2026, unless the board decides on an extension based on performance.
What major tournaments will Miraz lead Bangladesh in?
His first test will be the Sri Lanka ODI series, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy in India later in 2025, and several home series against top sides. All are stepping stones toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualification campaign.
