Najmul targets spot in T20 squad through BPL

Bangladesh Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is hopeful of returning to the national fold in the shortest format by delivering the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League. Shanto, who is not a regular in the Bangladesh T20 set-up, will be guiding Rajshahi Warriors in the BPL. He insisted on the need for impactful knocks in the format rather than chasing individual milestones.

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

"The call is with the selectors and the coaching staff. My responsibility is to play good cricket. If I do that and they feel I'm capable, they will choose me. In T20 cricket, impact matters more than the size of the score and the key is how much influence you can have on the match. Every time I bat, my aim is to play an impactful innings. My job is to score runs and contribute to the team."

Shanto, who is leading the Test squad, said that he is keen on embracing the challenge posed by a busy Test schedule in 2026. In 2025, Bangladesh played six Test matches earning four wins alongside a draw and a loss under his leadership.

In 2026, Bangladesh are set to play at least 12 Test matches that includes tours of Australia and South Africa. "I think this year has gone well," Shanto said while promoting the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh's (CWAB) All-Stars match to commemorate Victory Day in Bangladesh on December 16.

"If you look at it, it hasn't been too bad. But yes, in the second Test match in Sri Lanka we could have played a bit better cricket. I definitely feel that the team we have now should have played better cricket. That said, there are a lot of matches next year. We always hope to play many matches, especially many Test matches. So, the hectic schedule you mentioned - I don't really want to think about it," he said.

"Because we want more and more Test matches, in fact more matches in every format. So having playing opportunities is a joyful thing. Planning has gradually started, and I think after the BPL ends we will move forward with a much clearer plan," he added.