Tamim Iqbal appointed Bangladesh ODI skipper as Mashrafe Mortaza replacement

A BCB meeting ended with the 30-year-old being selected as the man to lead the team, starting with the one-off game with Pakistan on April 1

• Mashrafe stands down as Bangladesh ODI skipper

Bangladesh's one-day international side will be led by Tamim Iqbal going forward after the batsman was selected to replace Mashrafe Mortaza.

Seamer Mashrafe took charge of The Tigers 50-over side for the final time during the 123-run win over Zimbabwe in the third ODI on Friday.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board were understood to be focusing on a short-term replacement before considering who would take the team forward on a long-term basis.

But during a BCB meeting Tamim, 30, emerged as the leading candidate and the decision was taken to appoint him to the role full time.

“This is a massive honour for me," he said. "I thank the BCB for trusting me with this responsibility. I am aware that I have huge shoes to fill as Masrafe Bin Mortaza has been a true great for Bangladesh cricket and a model of inspiration as captain for me and all the cricketers.

“The journey that begins now will have its ups and downs. We all want the Bangladesh ODI team to be successful and when we are victorious it is a celebration for the entire nation. I hope the Board, the fans and the media will support me through the tough moments as well as during the good times.”

BCB president Nazmul Hasan added: "We have selected Tamim as our captain for a long period of time.

"There is no guarantee, but we have selected him for a substantial amount of time. 

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"Initially we wanted to select for a short term and then wanted to select someone next year as the full-time captain.

"But at the end of the board meeting, we wanted Tamim to lead the side for a long period of time."

Tamim has led Bangladesh on four previous occasions, in one Test against New Zealand in Christchurch 2017 and three ODIs with Sri Lanka last year.

Only Mashrafe and wicket-keeper Musfiqur Rahim have played more 50-over matches for Bangladesh than Tamim who has turned out 207 times in the format.

His 7,202 runs are the most by any player in his country's history, as are his 13 centuries - two of which have come in his last two outings against Zimbabwe.

Following the upcoming T20s against Zimbabwe, Tamim's permanent tenure is expected to begin with the one-off ODI against Pakistan on April 1.

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