Nigar Sultana To Leave Bangladesh Captaincy Amid Handshake Controversy

Nigar Sultana to step down as T20I captain (Source: AFP)In a major development, Nigar Sultana is expected to step down as the Bangladesh T20I captain. The Bangladesh team is set for a leadership change before the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.According to a report by Cricbuzz, Nigar Sultana has already informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about her decision to give up the captaincy in the shortest format. She is understood to have taken the decision because she wants to concentrate more on her batting and wicketkeeping responsibilities.However, Nigar Sultana will continue as Bangladesh’s ODI captain.Nigar Sultana To Give Up Bangladesh T20I CaptaincyIt is worth noting that Nigar Sultana will likely give up Bangladesh's T20I captaincy. The development comes ahead of the women's cricket competition at the Asian Games in Japan. She has reportedly communicated her decision to the BCB in a letter sent from Japan on Tuesday, September 15.BCB president Tamim Iqbal is understood to have accepted Nigar's decision."Nigar had already informed the board of her decision to relinquish captaincy in the 20-over format as she wants to focus more on her batting and wicketkeeping while continuing to lead the side in ODIs." Cricbuzz stated."Nigar formally communicated it to the board in a letter from Japan on Tuesday (September 15)." the report stated.Also Read: Deepti Sharma, Nigar Sultana Get In Serious Fight, Umpires InterveneHandshake Controversy: Also The Reason For Captaincy Stepdown?Nigar Sultana's recent handshake controversy with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has added another talking point to her leadership future. During the Women's Asia Cup 2026 match between India and Bangladesh, Nigar Sultana did not shake hands with Harmanpreet Kaur at the toss.The incident quickly attracted attention, with questions being raised about whether it was linked to the recent decision to step down from the Bangladesh T20I captaincy.However, the BCB has distanced itself from the incident, saying it was Sultana's personal choice to avoid a handshake with Harmanpreet Kaur. "Of course, it was her own decision (not to shake hands with Harmanpreet). We believe sports bring the world together. We want friendly relations with all countries, not just India, and so whatever she did was entirely her personal decision." Rafiqul Islam Babu said.Nigar Sultana's T20I Record As CaptainIt is important to note that Sultana was appointed as Bangladesh's T20I captain in 2022. During her captaincy, she has overseen some important moments for the team.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bangladesh defeated Scotland to record their first World Cup victory in 10 years. Her overall captaincy record, however, has been mixed. In 80 T20I matches as captain between 2022 and 2026, Bangladesh won 32 and lost 47, with one match resulting in no result. Her win percentage stands at 40%, while the team’s loss percentage is 58.75%.Also Read: ENG vs SL Live Streaming, Live Telecast- Where To Watch Sri Lanka Tour Of England 2026, 1st T20I?