<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Following Shakib Al Hasan's recent remarks to prioritize playing for the Bangladesh national team over franchise leagues, Jalal Younus, chairman of the cricket operation at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), affirmed that Shakib will retain his role as captain.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Despite speculation during the ICC World Cup that Shakib might step down from the captaincy, BCB's statement suggests otherwise.</div><div><br></div><div>“It's good news that Shakib will focus more on national duty,” Jalal told reporters today. “We also want him to play in all formats for Bangladesh,” he added.</div><div><br></div><div>Jalal clarified that there has been no discussion with Shakib regarding any reluctance to continue as captain.</div><div><br></div><div>“Shakib was appointed captain for an extended period, and there has been no other discussion,” he said</div><div><br></div><div>He further said that Najmul Hossain Shanto is currently appointed as captain for the two series against New Zealand. However, both Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are under consideration for future captaincy roles.</div><div><br></div><div>The Bangladesh team is currently touring New Zealand to play a three-match ODI and three-match T20I series, starting on December 19 with the first ODI. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>