Nahida Akter named Bangladesh women's T20I captain

Spinner Nahida Akter has been appointed captain of the Bangladesh women’s T20I team for a year, with batter Sobhana Mostary named her deputy. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) women’s wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu confirmed the appointment to the media on Sunday.

Nahida is set to begin her leadership tenure in November at the Emerging Nations Trophy in Thailand. The 25-year-old takes over the role following recent leadership changes in the national setup.

BCB women’s wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu explained the decision regarding the new leadership structure. “We have held discussions with key personnel and decided to give Nahida the captaincy in T20Is. Sobhana Mostary will be the vice-captain,” Rafiqul said.

“Nahida has been given the role for a year, after which we will assess the situation and decide on the next step ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2028,” Rafiqul added regarding the long-term plans for the team.

Former T20I captain Nigar Sultana Joty congratulated Nahida on her appointment through an official social media post, extending her full support to the new skipper. Joty will continue to lead the side in ODI matches.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Nahida, the new captain of the T20I team. I wish her all the best in this new role. I believe she will play an important role in taking the team forward with her ability and leadership,” Joty wrote in her message.

“Our roles in the team have changed, but our passion for the red and green flag remains the same, as does our goal of taking Bangladesh cricket forward. As a teammate, I stand by Nahida and will continue to do so,” she added.

Nahida brings vast experience to the leadership role, having played 65 ODIs and 113 T20Is while claiming 81 ODI and 132 T20I wickets. She had previously served as vice-captain since Joty took charge of the T20I side in 2022.