Sujon: Shakib should be the captain

|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is looking for a new captain after Tamim Iqbal stepped down as ODI captain two days ago. Vice-captain Litton Das and veteran Shakib al Hasan are in the race for the role but former captain and BCB member Khaled Mahmud Sujon voted Shakib for the responsibility.

Tamim announced his shocking retirement from international cricket after playing the first match of the ODI series against Afghanistan and he later withdrew from the decision as Litton led the team in the remaining two matches.

Shakib has the experience of leading 47 ODI matches in a row till 2011. Then he led the Bangladesh team in three more matches in Mashrafe bin Mortaza’s absence. Shakib is very experienced as a captain. This is why Sujon put him forward.

However, he also has confidence in Litton. Under his leadership, Bangladesh won the series 2-1 against India.

“How can I not choose Litton! He won the series against India. But, Shakib will definitely be ahead here. Shakib's head (brain), captaincy experience is much more. But still I don't want to belittle Litton either. Because Litton has done very well in the past (as captain). I think if a team have player like Shakib, he should be given the captaincy. This is my personal opinion,” Sujon said to the media on Saturday.

“Litton, Shanto [Najmul Hossain], Miraz [Mehidy Hasan] will also be ready by this time. They should lead the way. The armband will go to them. If Tamim and Mushfiq [Mushfiqur Rahim] retire, they will be seniors,” he added.

The former all-rounder feels that Shakib won't be upset if Litton takes over the captaincy permanently.

“I think giving Litton the captaincy won’t be a issue for Shakib. I know Shakib personally. I don't think Shakib will think anything about this. On the contrary, he will help Litton more. Now if the board thinks Litton, that's not a problem either. I think Litton is ready. He is also experienced. Playing domestic cricket, national team for so long, his experience is also very good. Last thing I say, since we won the series with India, Litton’s name will come up again and again. With Shakib in hand, we have a very good option,” he added.