Postponing of Sri Lanka series leaves cricketers frustrated
The Business Standard (TBS) talked to some of the players called up for the skill camp ahead of the Sri Lanka series to know their reaction to the decision of the series being postponed.
Bangladesh's tour of Sri Lanka has been postponed due to a dispute between the two boards over the isolation period. The series will not be played in October rather the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to reschedule.
This was the window for Bangladesh to return to international cricket since March as the Covid-19 situation led all kinds of sporting activity to be postponed.
Some cricketers were frustrated as the series was postponed indefinitely but they have accepted the decision and are currently looking forward to the resumption of domestic cricket.
The Business Standard (TBS) talked to some of the players called up for the skill camp ahead of the Sri Lanka series to know their reaction to the decision of the series being postponed.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto: There is some disappointment. It would have been better if we could have played. But it did not happen as our board wanted. So, there is no point in being frustrated. You have to adjust to the situation. I am not too bothered about it but it would have been better if it happened.
It would be great if domestic cricket takes off. It has been a long time without cricket and it would be a relief if domestic cricket starts. Not just for us who play international cricket but for those who are dependent on domestic cricket.
Imrul Kayes: We have to accept what has happened due to the situation. There is no point in being frustrated, we have to accept the situation. The board has understood that it is too much for the cricketers to stay in quarantine for 14 days and took the decision. We have to accept it. I have heard that domestic cricket will start. I don't know when it will start but it will be great if it does.
Mohammad Saifuddin: Definitely there is disappointment. Because it was feeling like that an agreement would be reached. But as SLC were fixated on their quarantine period, we had nothing to do. Because 14 days in isolation is very tough. We have been given rest from practice for three days, I am staying in the academy building. This is making me restless as there is almost nothing to do. I did some gym work and then came to my room but how long can you stay like this. 14 days is too much which might be impossible and BCB has taken a good decision.
I was called up for the Test side for the first time. So it is even more frustrating for me. But playing after staying in quarantine for 14 days is even tougher. I think that it would have been a huge pressure mentally. We don't have control over the virus. The series has not been called off, maybe it will take place next year.
Nurul Hasan Sohan: No, there is nothing to be frustrated. The practice will continue until October 15. As the series is not happening, there will be a domestic tournament. It is important for cricket to return. As we are out of cricket for 5-6 months, any kind of tournament is important for us.
Khaled Ahmed: Definitely it's frustrating. I thought that we would return to the pitch after a long time and I was very excited. I hoped that I would do something good if I get opportunities. But there is nothing to do as this is the board's decision. We have to accept it. I have to do well in the upcoming matches. It will be great for us if domestic cricket starts.
Yasir Ali Chowdhury: It does feel a little bad. Because I was hoping that Bangladesh would return to international cricket. Both the boards tried but it did not happen. There is nothing to be frustrated, to be honest. I am thinking that whatever comes next, we will have to move forward with that.
It will be great if domestic cricket starts. Because we are not playing for a long time. Wherever it is, the resumption of cricket is necessary.