Liton Kumar Das recently became a father. He applied to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeking leave to spend time with his family. Accepting his request, BCB gave the wicket-keeper batsman 1 month leave.
Meanwhile, Test captain Shakib Al Hasan has already been ruled out of the two-match Test series against New Zealand due to injury. With vice-captain Liton on leave, Nazmul Hossain Shanto has been assigned as the captain in the New Zealand series.
Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Jalal Yunus addressed the media at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday (November 18). At that time he informed about Liton’s leave and Shantar’s captaincy.
Jalal Yunus said, “Liton has asked for 1 month leave, will not play two Tests. He wants to spend time with his family. He wants a month to devote full time to his family. If we say to play, no player can be forced to play.
“We said don’t play the first Test, play the second. He said he wants to give 1 month to the family. He kept saying loudly. We have approved his leave today’- added Jalal Yunus.
Shanto will lead against the Kiwis without Shakib-Litton. Jalal said, “Nazmul Hossain is a quiet captain in the next two Tests.”
The first Test of the two-match Test series will begin in Sylhet from November 28. The second and final Test will be held in Mirpur on December 6.
Bangladesh will fly to New Zealand on the last night of the second Test (December 11). Lytton will return for the away series against the Kiwis. Bangladesh will play three ODI and T20I matches in this series.
Shakib’s finger bandage is scheduled to open on December 6. It is still not sure whether Shakib will be available in this series or not. In that case, Shanto may also have to take the responsibility of ODI leadership. And in the T20 series, a new captain must be found. We will know about Shakib after November 28.
