Mashrafe Mortaza is set to be replaced as Bangladesh’s ODI captain.
His tenure will come to an end after the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, according to an announcement by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan.
Mortaza has captained Bangladesh in 85 ODIs in two stints as skipper. He won 47, lost 37 and had two no results.
“We need to consider Mashrafe's contribution in turning points of Bangladesh cricket; it is unparalleled,” said Hasan.
“He was outstanding as captain, but it is also true that now the time has come for him to decide on how long he wants to play.”
The president has said a replacement will be named in a month so that Bangladesh can prepare for the World Cup in 2023.
He added: “For the World Cup, we cannot bring a (new) captain all of sudden. We have to decide on the team and captain with at least two years in hand.
“We need to come to a decision as we do not have much time. We will hopefully come to a decision on this within a month or so. We will have to wait at least till this series (ends).”
Bangladesh are currently priced at 26.00 (25/1) with bet365 for the 2023 World Cup in India.
Fitness also an issue for Mashrafe
Mortaza has also had his fitness questioned by BCB officials. He has been ordered to improve if he wants to continue playing for his country.
Hasan said: “There might have been instances when Mashrafe played despite not passing the beep test but it will not happen now. If he wants to play, he has to perform and get selected in the team.
“We need to make some changes in Mashrafe's case because earlier there was no such thing that a player had to pass the beep test but we have started that now.”
Mortaza retirement still unclear
Retirement for Mortaza has been rumoured since the World Cup in England last year.
However, nothing has been finalised even though he has removed his name from the list of Bangladesh’s centrally contracted players for 2020.
”All the big players around the world plan, decide and inform when it's time for their retirement. We did wish to have something arranged for him if he wanted.,” added Hasan.
“He can continue playing if he wants to. I am more worried about the captain at the moment. If we declare someone else as a captain now, and if Mashrafe can get into the team through performance, then there is nothing wrong with that.”
