After a long spell away from red-ball cricket, the Tigers are back in whites as they prepare for the first Test of their two-match series against Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. On Monday, the eve of the opener, the Tigers trained in high spirits, soaking in the gentle Sylhet sunshine. Naturally, the cameras found veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, poised to make his 99th Test appearance. The session included with a lively game of football, one even spin-bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq could not resist. Newly-appointed specialised batting coach Mohammad Ashraful was seen sharing tips alongside outgoing senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who maintained his familiar hands-on approach. Meanwhile, pace bowling coach Shaun Tait remained in his element, working closely with his pack of fast bowlers. Photos: Firoz Ahmed

Shanto, who first took over the Test captaincy in 2023, has so far led Bangladesh in 14 Test matches.

Bangladesh Cricket Board appear to be in a sticky wicket in filling the Test captaincy role, left vacant by former skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.

There was a time when Bangladesh’s most consistent format was One-Day Internationals (ODIs). But judging by recent performances, this is now the format where they seem most out of rhythm.

Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz were among others who collected nomination forms on Tuesday for the upcoming Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh’s (CWAB) elections, set for September 4. Yesterday was the deadline for form collection.

BCB tournament committee chairman Akram Khan acknowledged the dispute but was optimistic of a resolution

As stats and performances continue to plummet, Bangladesh find themselves in unfamiliar territory -- outclassed not just by top-tier nations but by emerging sides on the global stage.

Former skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was left out as Bangladesh announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting on July 10. 

The fate of the Colombo Test and Najmul Hossain Shanto's captaincy was decided yesterday and the outcome in both cases was ill-fated but not unexpected.

“Bijoy bhai has scored heavily in domestic cricket. We needed someone experienced at the top because our openers have not been consistent in the past year,” Shanto defended.

Shanto didn’t lash out. He didn’t name names. But his departure is a loud, unmissable protest.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s tenure as Bangladesh’s Test skipper came to an end on Saturday when the Southpaw announced he was stepping down from the role following an innings and 78-run defeat to Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down as Bangladesh's Test captain after the Tigers' innings and 78-run loss to Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo today.

Bangladesh will aim for a rare slice of history when they take on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo today, hoping to seal their first-ever Test series victory over the hosts.

Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar has voiced support for under-fire opener Anamul Haque Bijoy, suggesting that the team management should give the struggling batter "one more chance" despite a poor showing in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Come June 26, Bangladesh will be completing its 25 years in Test cricket.

Sri Lankan great Angelo Mathews received a warm reception from the Bangladesh team during his farewell Test in Galle, which ended in a draw yesterday. The visitors gave him a guard of honour during his first-innings walk to the crease and later greeted him warmly after the match.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto defended his decision to declare late on the fifth day of the first Test in Galle, citing rain as a key factor that disrupted their plans for an earlier declaration.

Yet, despite the individual brilliance, murmurs of doubt persisted over Bangladesh’s approach, particularly their intent, or the lack thereof, in pursuing a win.

“As a leader, he’s shown great character, which will benefit the rest of the team.”