Najmul targets spot in T20 squad through BPL

Bangladesh Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is hopeful of returning to the national T20 squad by performing well in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League. Shanto, who is not a regular in the Bangladesh T20 setup, will be captaining the Rajshahi Warriors in the BPL. He emphasized the need for impactful performances over individual milestones in the format.

"If I perform (in BPL) why not?," Shanto told reporters when asked about a potential T20 comeback. "For me, the BPL is very important and if I do well here, I can send out a strong message."

"The call is with the selectors and the coaching staff. My responsibility is to play good cricket. In T20 cricket, impact matters more than the size of the score. Every time I bat, my aim is to play an impactful innings."

Shanto, who leads the Test side, also discussed the team's busy Test schedule ahead. In 2025, Bangladesh played six Tests, securing four wins, a draw, and a loss under his captaincy.

In 2026, Bangladesh are scheduled to play at least 12 Tests, including tours of Australia and South Africa. "I think this year has gone well," Shanto said. "But yes, in the second Test in Sri Lanka we could have played better. I feel this team should have performed better there."

"There are a lot of matches next year. We always hope to play many matches, especially Tests. Having playing opportunities is a joyful thing. Planning has gradually started, and I think after the BPL we will move forward with a clearer plan."