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Nafees Iqbal. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

In a major development for Bangladesh cricket, it was announced that former Bangladesh cricketer Nafees Iqbal has been reappointed as the team manager for Bangladesh for their forthcoming series against New Zealand.

The older brother of the former ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal, Nafees, confirmed that he will be returning to the role of team manager for Bangladesh very soon. It is worth noting that Nafees was indeed the manager for the side up until September 2023 but was excluded from the dressing room for the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023 on the recommendation of skipper Shakib Al Hasan, as per rumours. 

Nafees has also served as the team manager for Bangladesh A and is also involved as a coach for Khelaghar in the Dhaka Premier League.

Also, the skipper of the Test side, Shakib, will not be available to play for Bangladesh against New Zealand. Najmul Hossain Shanto will be leading the team. The side will be taking on the Black Caps in two Test matches, with the first Test beginning on November 28 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh look to recoup after horrid World Cup

Speaking of Bangladesh’s recent performances, the side participated in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023. Led by Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh failed to put in their best performances and were eliminated from the group stages of the tournament. 

The side played nine games in the competition, where they only managed to win two and lose the remaining four. They finished in eighth place in the standings with just four points in nine matches. Their only two victories came against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, but those were not enough to propel them to the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament.

Eventually, the World Cup 2023 saw India take on Australia in the summit clash of the tournament, with Pat Cummins-led Australia emerging victorious and winning their sixth World Cup title. As for Bangladesh, after their horrid showing at the World Cup, the side will be keen on putting in an improved performance against New Zealand in the Test series.