Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said that it is unfortunate that Shakib Al Hasan cannot play the Test series against South Africa starting on October 21 in Dhaka. Bangladesh's interim government advised Shakib, who was a member of the government toppled by a student-citizen movement in August, not to come to the country now due to the security threat posed by the protesters. Bangladesh's new coach urges Tigers to focus on cricket amid chaos “It’s unfortunate,” Shanto said about Shakib’s absence in the Dhaka Test, which he said would be his last appearance in the longer format of the game. “It should have happened. But we all know why it didn't happen.” The Bangladesh captain also said they are now focusing solely on cricket. “I would say that it was unfortunate, it should have happened (Shakib’s participation in the Dhaka Test). But we all know why it didn't happen. But we don’t want to talk much about it before a Test match. I want everyone to focus on cricket.” Bangladesh captain also said it is difficult for Bangladesh to set up a combination when Shakib is not available. Anger against Shakib not unwarranted: Asif Nazrul “We can use an extra bowler or batter (when Shakib plays). But we cannot do anything talking about it much. What we can do is to focus on cricket,” Shanto added. Bangladesh played 14 Tests against the Proteas but never won. But this time, Shanto says, the result can be changed if they can play according to plan and execute their game well on the field.

Despite a maiden half-century from Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh fell to a three-wicket loss in the first ODI of their three-match series against England Wednesday (March 01, 2023) due to a lacklustre performance in the middle overs. The left-handed batter's impressive knock went in vain as the rest of the team failed to support him in building a solid total. Bangladesh's innings ended with a below-par 209, leaving them with a tough task to defend against a strong England side. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das put on a brief opening stand, but things soon took a turn for the worse as Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim also failed to deliver. Read more: Malan century guides England home as Tigers bemoan batting woes "I think losing three quick wickets in the middle overs was the main reason behind our defeat," Shanto said in the post-match press conference. "We have a good bowling attack that can defend this sort of total, but we failed today." Shanto also said the team fell short of 20-30 runs in their innings. The second match of the series will also take place in Dhaka's Mirpur on March 3 at the same venue; the third and final match will be played on March 6 in Chattogram. Read More: Analysis of BAN vs ENG 1st ODI 2023 After the ODI series, both the teams will lock horns in a three-match T20I series.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, opening batsman of Sylhet Strikers, has been fined 30 percent of his match fees for violating the BCB Code of Conduct during Tuesday's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match against Rangpur Riders. The Level 1 breach took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Shanto was found to have shown dissent towards an umpire's decision, a violation of Article 2.2 of the BCB Code of Conduct for players. However, the player accepted the penalty proposed by match referee ASM Roquibul Hassan, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. Along with the fine, two demerit points were added to Shanto's disciplinary record, bringing the total number of demerit points to three. This was the second time that the player violated the code of conduct. The charges against Shanto were made by on-field umpires Raveendra Wimalasiri, Prageeth Rambukwella, third umpire Tanvir Ahmed, and fourth official Ali Arman Rajon. Level 1 Code of Conduct breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player's match fee, as well as one or two demerit points. Read more: 4 BPL players and coaches fined for breaching code of conduct    

Mahedi Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto are eager to prove their mettle in the upcoming T20 International series against Pakistan starting from January 24.