Shakib Al Hasan is set to lead Bangladesh's ODI team, entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the squad to success in both the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. This leadership role follows Tamim Iqbal's decision to step down earlier in the month. Although Tamim will miss the Asia Cup due to a back injury, he is expected to recover in time for the ICC World Cup scheduled for October-November in India.

In a sudden press briefing, BCB President Nazmul Hassan revealed that Shakib Al Hasan would be taking on the captaincy for the Asia Cup, the New Zealand series, and the World Cup. BCB Boss informed the media that they intended to have a more detailed conversation with Shakib once he returns to Bangladesh from his participation in the Lanka Premier League.

Hassan emphasized the importance of understanding Shakib's long-term plans. While a phone conversation had already taken place the previous day, the president noted that a face-to-face discussion was preferred due to Shakib's current commitments in a franchise league. The talks would also cover the extent of Shakib's captaincy responsibilities, including the possibility of leading in all three formats, or perhaps just one or two.

Hassan sought to clarify any misconceptions and assured that there was never any doubt about Shakib being the primary choice for the captaincy. He affirmed that Shakib's leadership was the natural decision, and they had only needed to engage in dialogue with him before officially confirming the appointment.

Assuming this new role, Shakib Al Hasan has become the most prolific captain in Bangladesh's history. He has been at the helm of the team in both the longest and shortest formats since the previous year. Shakib's previous instance as the ODI captain of Bangladesh was during a match against Ireland back in 2017.

In total, Shakib has captained the Bangladesh team in 52 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 19 Test matches, and 39 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His time as captain, which began in 2009, has been characterized by intermittent periods of leadership. There had been considerations that Litton Das might be entrusted with the ODI captaincy, given his leadership in the series against Afghanistan in July.

Nevertheless, the team management chose to place their confidence in Shakib due to his greater experience, as he had previously led the team in ODIs for a brief period.

BDST: 1404 HRS, AUG 12, 2023
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