Exclusive: Najmul Hossain Calls on Senior Players to Lead as Bangladesh Cricket Embarks on New Era

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain believes it is time for the emerging senior players to shoulder greater responsibility as the team steps into a new chapter without the iconic Fabulous Five.

Change has become inevitable in Bangladesh's cricketing landscape, as, for the first time, none of the celebrated stalwarts—Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza—feature in the highest category of the central contract for 2025.

This marks a significant transition for the men in red and green as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in an upcoming two-match Test series, a contest that could set the tone for the team’s future direction.

Although Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to feature in the series, there will be little noise surrounding the remaining four, who seem unlikely to return to the national side in any format anytime soon. 

Doubts also linger over how much longer Mushfiqur will continue in the longest format, having already retired from ODIs and T20Is. Age and workload are natural factors, and with Bangladesh focusing on renewal, Mushfiqur’s role might soon evolve as well.

Shakib Al Hasan, despite not having officially retired from Tests or ODIs, is unlikely to don the Bangladesh jersey in the near future. His political affiliations have, for now, barred him from returning to the country, leaving a significant void in experience and leadership.

Najmul admits that while these are difficult adjustments, the time has come for the next wave to step up.

‘WE CAN’T DEPEND ON SHAKIB OR SENIORS FOREVER’

Speaking to SportsBoom, Najmul acknowledged the irreplaceable legacy of Shakib Al Hasan but stressed the importance of looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past.

“A player like Shakib Al Hasan is irreplaceable in Bangladesh cricket. I don’t know if we will see another like him in the next 10 or 20 years. His ability and contributions to the country speak for themselves. But at the same time, we can’t always depend on senior players who have already given so much to the team. Those of us who have played for eight to 10 years should have taken on more responsibility—not just now, but even two or three years ago,” Najmul reflected with a candid admission.

His words carry the weight of someone who has seen Bangladesh cricket evolve from underdogs to a team with genuine expectations. He understands that simply looking back at past glories will not be enough to carry the team forward into the next chapter of its journey.

NEXT GENERATION MUST EMBRACE LEADERSHIP ROLES

As Bangladesh embarks on this new era, the responsibility now falls on players like Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan, Najmul Hossain himself, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman to step into the leadership void left by their illustrious predecessors.

Najmul knows this transition cannot be delayed any longer. “We can’t always depend on senior players who have already given so much to the team. Those of us who have played for eight to 10 years should have taken on more responsibility—not just now, but even two or three years ago,” he reiterated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

“I’m not saying we haven’t taken responsibility, but we should have done so in a bigger way. Moving forward, rather than focusing on who is or isn’t in the squad, it’s more important to focus on how the players in the team can take us forward,” he explained, highlighting the collective responsibility that now rests on their shoulders.

“We can never deny the contributions of the seniors—Bangladesh cricket is where it is today because of them. They brought the team to a certain level, and now it’s our responsibility to carry it forward. Their dedication has been outstanding, and we must build on the foundation they have laid,” he added, paying tribute to the legacy while looking to the future.

POSITIVE EARLY IMPRESSIONS OF COACH PHIL SIMMONS

Najmul also expressed satisfaction with new head coach Phil Simmons, praising his approach both tactically and personally, which has already begun to resonate within the dressing room.

“I’m really enjoying working with him. He is very calm and composed, and his planning is excellent. The most important thing about him is that he gives every player a clear role,” Najmul told SportsBoom.com. 

“What I appreciate most is that he treats every cricketer equally—he doesn’t differentiate between big players and small players, seniors and juniors. I’ve never once felt that he favors one over another. He’s a true team man, and I’m really enjoying working with him,” he added, underscoring the positive atmosphere Simmons has cultivated in a short time.

Bangladesh will begin their two-match Test series against Zimbabwe from April 20, ushering in what is expected to be the beginning of a new-look Bangladesh team, filled with fresh faces but carrying the hopes of an entire cricketing nation.