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Sylhet Strikers team manager Nafees Iqbal believes Najmul Hossain Shanto has the capabilities to lead the Bangladesh cricket team but it will be difficult to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024.

According to Nafees, Shanto was chosen as the captain for his strong mentality and leadership skills, he also said his consistency throughout the years paved his way to the captaincy role.

“Good thing about Shanto is he is always calm and he can maintain a balance in any situation. He consistently works on and off and knows his routine and I know he will deliver soon. He has the quality and proved it over the years by demonstrating his leadership qualities,” said Nafees.

Shanto led the Tigers in the recent New Zealand tour, under his captaincy the side managed to secure a win in the ODI and T20I format against the Kiwis for the first time in their soil.

On top of that, Bangladesh also finished the T20I series as a draw 1-1 as the visitors won the opening match by 5 wickets, which was their first win in New Zealand in the shortest format of the game.

Nafees remarked that Shanto must be backed by the team management and other players as there is not sufficient time for the World Cup.

“Four months is not enough time for Shanto. We have to support him. He has shown that he is a great leader, and he has also worked with this team before. Bangladesh Cricket Board gave him the captaincy role because of his quality. But the upcoming World Cup will be challenging,” he said.

“Planning will be easier for any captain if he gets a settled team. I don't think four months is a suitable time. He should be supported without putting any pressure on him,” he added.