Bangladesh Test skipper steps down following Colombo loss

Shanto stepped down shortly after Bangladesh's loss to Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo, with the 26-year-old using the post-match press conference to reveal the news.

"I have an announcement to make," Shanto said.

"I am stepping down from the Bangladesh Test captaincy. I don't want to continue as captain in this format, and I want to give a clear message to everyone: this is not a personal matter. It is entirely for the betterment of the team, and I believe this will help the team."

Shanto had been in the role since he took over on a part-time basis towards the end of 2023, with the right-hander then winning the full-time role at the start of the next year.

He cited the fact Bangladesh have three different captains at Test, ODI and T20I level as a major reason behind his decision to stand down.

"Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to be in this dressing room, and I don't feel it is logical to have three captains for three formats. This is completely my personal opinion. The cricket board might think otherwise, and I fully respect that. In my view, having three captains will be difficult for the team. So, for the betterment of the team, I am stepping down," he explained.

"If the cricket board feels they will continue with three captains in three formats, that will be their decision. I just hope people don't see this as a personal issue or think I did this because I felt bad about the ODI captaincy snub. I want to make it clear again: this is for the betterment of the team. There is nothing personal here."

Bangladesh's next assignment in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle is not expected to come until next year when they are scheduled to host Pakistan for a two-match series.