Najmul Hossain Shanto continue to lead Bangladesh in test against SL

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead Bangladesh in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on June 17, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has retained Shanto as the Test captain for another year, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership. Shanto, who assumed the Test captaincy in 2024, will be supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz as vice-captain. The 16-man squad announced for the Sri Lanka tour includes experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque, as well as emerging talents such as Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan and Nahid Rana. This series marks Bangladesh's first assignment in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The team will depart for Sri Lanka on June 13, with the second Test scheduled to commence on June 25 in Colombo. Under Shanto's leadership, Bangladesh aims to improve upon recent performances, including a drawn home Test series against Zimbabwe and consecutive T20I series losses to the UAE and Pakistan. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in Test matches against Sri Lanka, securing only one win in 26 encounters. The upcoming series presents an opportunity for Shanto and his team to reverse this trend and make a strong start to their World Test Championship campaign.