Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto didn’t shy away from an uncomfortable question after his team’s narrow three-wicket defeat to Zimbabwe in Sylhet. During the post-match press conference, when a journalist brought up the recent increase in player salaries and match fees by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Shanto delivered a pointed but composed response.

The question—intended to question whether improved pay was leading to improved performance—sparked a moment of tension. Shanto countered with a question of his own, "Aren’t you happy that our salaries have gone up?"

He then explained more diplomatically, "It’s been a long time since our match fees were increased, so I think it’s a positive step worth supporting. But that’s not directly related to performance. Playing good cricket, playing with responsibility—that’s what’s important."

Shanto acknowledged the need for introspection, especially after Bangladesh failed to defend a total against Zimbabwe—despite the match being played on home soil. With this latest loss, questions about commitment and accountability are gaining traction among fans and pundits alike. "We have to take responsibility. We’re not playing good cricket, and we know that. We have to discuss things as a team and work hard in preparation. Yes, we work hard in the field, but there’s a clear gap in execution. Everyone has a role to play, and they have to own that role."

The Bangladesh skipper also commented on the recent sentiment that players’ brand value and fan perception have declined due to inconsistent performances, "Our value feels lower right now because the performances aren’t there. That’s the truth. But when we start doing well again, the value will go up. That’s how this works."