School cricket needs global exposure, better facilities: Shanto

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has called for greater investment in school cricket, including improved facilities and overseas exposure, saying that the platform remains crucial for nurturing future national players.

"My journey started through age-level cricket, but I was lucky to get a chance to play a school tournament in Kerala during Under-17. That tournament was very important for my career—I became the best player there," he said at the jersey unveiling event of this year’s school cricket.

Shanto said such exposure helped fast-track his progress to the Under-19 level and urged organisers to reintroduce similar opportunities.

"As far as I remember, that was the only overseas tour. If we can select the best school players and arrange matches abroad or even against state teams, it will benefit players and increase interest in the tournament," he said.

The left-handed batter stressed that school cricket should be treated as a major development platform rather than just a participation event.

"If we can make the tournament bigger and ensure proper facilities, players will come on their own. Right now, sometimes schools need to be invited—but that should change," he noted.

Shanto also highlighted the dual value of school cricket as both an enjoyable experience and a pathway to professional success.

"We play to enjoy the game, but it is also an opportunity. If you perform well here, you can go very far in cricket. When one school plays another, friendships and understanding grow. That creates a positive environment, which is very important," he stated.

Reflecting on Bangladesh cricket more broadly, Shanto acknowledged a gap in role models compared to previous generations but expressed optimism.

"When we were growing up, we looked up to players like Shakib [al Hasan], Tamim [Iqbal] and Mushfiqur [Rahim]. Now we are probably struggling a bit in that area, but I believe the gap will gradually be filled. We have a big responsibility. If we perform well for Bangladesh, the next generation will be inspired by us," he explained.

Shanto said that he felt emotional revisiting school cricket discussions and expressed hope that current participants could one day represent the national team. "You never know—students playing here today could play for Bangladesh in the future," he concluded.