Liton Says No One Would Turn Down Test Captaincy

Bangladesh batter Liton Das has said no player would refuse the chance to captain the national Test team if offered, though he confirmed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not yet discussed the matter with him. Speaking to reporters in Chattogram on Saturday, ahead of the T20 series against West Indies, Liton said he had heard nothing official about the vacant Test captaincy but acknowledged that it would be an honour. “So far, I haven’t heard anything about it,” Liton said. “If they think I am suitable, they will talk to me. Let’s see what they decide. As a player, Test captaincy is a big thing. I don’t think anyone would say no to that.” Liton, 30, has captained Bangladesh in all three formats, though his full-time role has been in T20 cricket. Under his leadership, Bangladesh have won their last four T20 series and reached the Asia Cup final earlier this year. Following Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision to step down as Test captain after the Sri Lanka series in June, the BCB has yet to name a replacement. The next Test assignment — a two-match home series against Ireland — begins early next month, leaving selectors little time to make a decision. Liton’s name has been among the frontrunners. He previously led Bangladesh once in Test cricket, stepping in for Shakib Al Hasan against Afghanistan in 2023, when Bangladesh secured a record 546-run victory. While discussions about the Test role continue, Liton’s immediate focus remains on the shorter format. Bangladesh will play three T20Is each against West Indies and Ireland before the T20 World Cup in February. When asked about his goals for the upcoming matches, Liton emphasized creating pressure situations to prepare the team for tougher contests. “I want our players to face challenges — in batting, in bowling,” he said. “These six matches should test us. I’d rather see us under pressure, because that’s what helps us grow.” The Bangladesh squad will begin their T20 campaign against West Indies on Sunday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, aiming to continue the form that has made them one of the most improved sides in the format under Liton’s watch.