Nigar Sultana’s decision to step down as Bangladesh’s T20I captain after the Asian Games has surprised the Bangladesh Cricket Board. BCB officials have admitted that they are unsure what caused the sudden decision. Nigar informed the board by email that she wants to focus more on her batting and wicket-keeping. She will continue to lead Bangladesh in ODIs while stepping away from the T20I captaincy after the Asian Games.
The decision came only two days before Bangladesh’s opening Asian Games match against China on September 17. Cricbuzz reported on September 15 that Nigar had already informed the board about her plans. The timing surprised the BCB because the team was preparing for the tournament. The board will discuss the matter and decide on the way forward after Bangladesh return from the Asian Games.
Rafiqul Islam Babu, chairman of the BCB women’s wing, confirmed that the board had received Nigar’s email. He said officials would discuss the matter after the team returned from the Asian Games. Rafiqul also admitted that he did not know why Nigar had made the decision so suddenly. “I honestly don’t know why she suddenly decided to step down (from T20I captaincy),” said Rafiqul. He explained that Nigar wants to focus more on batting and wicket-keeping.
“The player does not feel comfortable and expressed a desire to focus more on batting and wicket-keeping, wishing to stay in the 50-over format while stepping away from T20s, an email was sent regarding this matter.
Rafiqul was also unhappy about the timing of Nigar’s decision, which came just before the Asian Games. He said the issue could have been discussed after the team returned from the tournament. “The decision taken before the Asian Games leaves me both embarrassed and deeply disappointed. If there were any issues or problems in that case I could have been informed after the team returned from the tournament,” he said. “We could have reached a decision together. “Tamim (Iqbal) and I will discuss and decide once they return. After they get back from the Asian Games, we will figure out the best way forward.”
Nigar has led Bangladesh’s T20I side since taking over the captaincy in 2022. One of the biggest successes during her time in charge came at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh defeated Scotland in that tournament to record their first World Cup victory in a decade. Nigar also contributed with both bat and gloves, scoring 104 runs in four innings and effecting seven dismissals behind the wickets.
Her leadership in T20Is has also produced mixed results. Bangladesh became unbeaten champions in the World Cup qualifiers earlier in 2026, showing strong form during that campaign. However, they later lost their home series against Sri Lanka 2-1. Their performances in the Scotland-Netherlands tri-series were mixed, while Bangladesh managed only two wins from five matches at the World Cup. These results brought Nigar’s leadership in the shortest format under scrutiny.
For now, Nigar will remain Bangladesh’s ODI captain while preparing to step away from T20I leadership after the Asian Games. The BCB has not yet announced who could take charge of the T20I team. Rafiqul said the board will discuss the matter with Tamim Iqbal once the players return. Until then, Nigar’s decision remains a major development for Bangladesh women’s cricket. The board will consider the situation and decide on the next step after the Asian Games.
Nigar’s immediate focus will be on batting, wicketkeeping and continuing to lead the ODI side. The next decision will come after the tournament, when the board reviews her request and discusses the future T20I leadership carefully together.
(Quotes sourced from Cricbuzz)
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