DHAKA, 19 October, 2026 (Nosheen): Bangladesh has appointed left-arm spinner Nahida Akter as the new captain of its women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) team for a one-year term, replacing Nigar Sultana, who stepped down from the leadership role. Middle-order batter Shobhana has been named vice-captain of the national side. Nigar led Bangladesh in 82 T20I matches, recording 32 victories during her tenure, but decided to relinquish the captaincy following disappointing performances in the Asia Cup and Asian Games. The appointment of Nahida, 25, marks a new chapter for the women’s team as Bangladesh looks to strengthen its performance in international cricket. Nahida made her international debut in September 2015 and has established herself as one of the team’s leading bowlers. She is Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in women’s T20I cricket, with 132 wickets at an average of 17.38. Her best bowling figures in the format are five wickets for eight runs. She has also taken 81 wickets in One-Day Internationals. Meanwhile, Shobhana’s appointment as vice-captain follows her recent achievement of scoring a historic century in an ODI against Australia. The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s leadership changes are expected to provide the team with fresh direction as it prepares for upcoming international assignments.