The question of who will replace Nigar Sultana as Bangladesh's next T20I captain is already being discussed within the Bangladesh Cricket Board, with left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter and all-rounder Sobhana Mostary emerging as the front runners.
Sultana has decided to step down as Bangladesh's T20I captain after the ongoing Asian Games, while continuing to lead the ODI side. She informed the board of her decision by email, citing a desire to focus on her batting and wicketkeeping. The development came just two days before Bangladesh's opening Asian Games match against China.
Sultana has led the T20I side since taking over the captaincy in 2022. One of the highlights of her tenure came at the 2024 T20 World Cup, when Bangladesh beat Scotland to register their first World Cup victory in a decade. Sultana also made a significant contribution with the bat and gloves during the tournament, scoring 104 runs in four innings and effecting seven dismissals.
Her captaincy in the shortest format, however, has come under scrutiny at various points. Bangladesh went unbeaten in the T20 World Cup qualifiers earlier in 2026, but subsequently lost a home series 2-1 to Sri Lanka. They also had mixed results in the Scotland-Netherlands tri-series before winning two of their five matches at the T20 World Cup.
BCB sources have confirmed to Cricbuzz that Nahida and Sobhana are expected to be among the names discussed when the board's high-ups meet to decide on the next T20I captain.
"I think there are not too many cricketers around to replace Sultana but, as she decided to step down, we have to find someone," an official working closely with the development told Cricbuzz on the condition of anonymity.
"Nahida and Sobhana are strong contenders, taking into consideration their position in the shorter format," he said.
The BCB was taken by surprise by Sultana's decision, although it is understood that the wicketkeeper-batter was disappointed with the way she had been treated by the board in recent times. It is understood that BCB women's wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu had not spoken to Sultana before the controversy surrounding the handshake incident during the Asia Cup semifinal against India.
This is not the first time Sultana's leadership has come under scrutiny. Former Bangladesh cricketer Jahanara Alam had previously alleged that Sultana abused players in the dressing room and sought to run the team in an autocratic manner.
Sultana's recent form is also understood to have played a part in her decision. She has traditionally answered criticism with her performances with the bat, but her returns in recent times have not been at the same level, leaving her vulnerable to further scrutiny after the Asian Games.
There are also expected to be changes to Bangladesh's coaching set-up after the Asian Games. Current women's head coach Sarowar Imran is expected to be replaced, with former Bangladesh High Performance head coach David Hemp understood to be the front runner for the position. Hemp has also previously worked with the women's team.
Beyond Nahida and Sobhana, BCB could consider grooming a younger leader for the future. Rabeya Khatun, who has previously led the A team, and all-rounder Shorna Akhter could be options. However, there is a feeling within the board that handing either of them the responsibility at this stage could be premature.
Bangladesh will need to settle on a new T20I captain soon, with Sultana potentially leading the side for the final time when they face India in the Asian Games semi-final in Japan on September 21.
A win against India could add another dimension to the discussion around Sultana's T20I captaincy, but as things stand, the BCB's pool of experienced options for the shortest format appears limited, with Nahida and Sobhana currently emerging as the leading candidates.
