Nahida takes over as T20I captain

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nahida Akter has been appointed the new captain of the women’s T20 International team, replacing Nigar Sultana Joty, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Sunday.

Joty decided to relinquish the role after the Asian Games to focus on her individual performance. Nahida, who served as her deputy since 2022, will be assisted by Sobhana Mostary as vice-captain.

“We decided to hand over the T20I captaincy to Nahida, while Sobhana Mostary will act as her deputy in T20Is,” BCB women’s wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu said.

In a Facebook post, Joty congratulated Nahida and expressed her commitment to supporting the new captain.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Nahida on becoming the new captain of the T20 team. Wishing her all the best in this new role,” Joty wrote.

“Our roles in the team may have changed, but our passion for the red and green flag remains the same, as does our goal of taking Bangladesh cricket forward. As a teammate, I stand by Nahida and always will.”

Meanwhile, sources said the BCB was surprised by Joty’s decision, with the wicketkeeper-batter reportedly unhappy with the board’s recent treatment of her.