Tamim Iqbal explains reason behind replacing Miraz with Liton as captain

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal has explained the decision to replace Mehidy Hasan Miraz with Liton Das as captain of the Bangladesh ODI team. He said the change was made as part of a policy decision to have two captains instead of three across the three formats .

Speaking at a press conference after the BCB board meeting on Wednesday (July 29), Tamim said Liton Das will lead the white-ball side in both ODIs and T20Is. Najmul Hossain Shanto will remain Test captain. Towhid Hridoy has been made white-ball vice-captain, while Miraz will serve as Test vice-captain.

Tamim said, "We had three captains in three formats. There is nothing wrong with that, but it's also not ideal. In my opinion, there should be two captains — one for white-ball cricket, and one for red-ball cricket."

Praising Miraz's leadership, the BCB president said Bangladesh had won four of their last five ODI series. "Miraz was an excellent captain. However, we are not seeing him perform as a player the way we are used to, especially with the bat. He is doing well with the ball," he said.

Tamim said he had discussed the captaincy change with Miraz beforehand and that Miraz had taken it positively. He expressed hope that if Miraz can improve his own performances, he may have the opportunity to lead again in the future .

Liton Das previously led Bangladesh in seven ODIs during 2022-23. He will now lead the side in both white-ball formats. Subject to everything going to plan, Liton's new chapter as white-ball captain will begin with the series against India in September .