Bangladesh announces Mehidy Hasan Miraz as new ODI captain

On June 12, Thursday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be the new ODI captain for the next 12 months. His captaincy stint will start from the three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, scheduled to start on July 2.

Chairman of BCB's Cricket Operations Committee, Nazmul Abedeen, stated that Mehidy’s consistent all-round performances helped the board to make the decision. On the other hand, Shanto recently stepped down from T20Is as captain to concentrate on his batting. 

Though Shanto was expected to continue as ODI captain, the BCB had some other long-term plans. Notably, Mehidy is the No. 4-ranked ODI all-rounder in the ICC ODI Rankings with 1617 runs and 110 wickets from 105 ODIs.

"The Board felt that Miraz's consistent performances with the bat and ball, his ability to fight and inspire the team and his energetic presence on and off the field make him an ideal candidate to lead the ODI side during a transitional time. We believe he has the temperament and maturity to take Bangladesh forward in this format,” Chairman of BCB's Cricket Operations Committee Nazmul Abedeen said. 

"We take this opportunity to thank Shanto for the positivity and character he has demonstrated as captain. He remains very much a part of the leadership group and we know how important his batting is to the team,” he added.

Speaking about his appointment as skipper, Mehidy stated that it is a dream to lead his country. Furthermore, he added that the national team has enough talent to play fearless cricket in the coming days.

"It is a huge honour for me to be entrusted with this responsibility by the Board. Leading the country is a dream for any cricketer and I am grateful for the confidence the Board has shown in me,” Miraz said in a statement released by the BCB.

"I have every faith in this team. We have the talent and the belief to play fearless cricket. I want us to perform with confidence, play without inhibition and continue giving our best for the country,” he added.

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