Shakib urges team to have long-term planning
Shakib finally opened up to the media regarding a variety of topics including what he made of the recent performances by the Tigers.
Bangladesh have gotten back home on Thursday after suffering a humiliating and unexpected whitewash against hosts Sri Lanka.
Led by stand-in captain Tamim Iqbal, the team suffered a 3-0 loss and was disappointing in all three departments throughout the series.
During the series, one of the biggest stories to emerge was that of Shakib Al Hasan not wanting to keep Mahmudullah Riyad in the team after the World Cup match against England, where he batted slowly.
Shakib accused Mahmudullah of not showing enough intent to bat fast, as Bangladesh needed 190 runs off the last 20 overs and the team believed it was a chasable score.
Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza disagreed with that notion and that resulted in Shakib withdrawing himself from taking any further part in team meetings and planning, despite being the vice-captain.
Mahmudullah later went on to play a quickfire half-century against Australia later on but it was in a losing cause, and it became clear that there were tensions brewing in the team as the team lacked that added spark to win games, even though they played some good cricket in phases.
Shakib, having not taken part in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, finally opened up to the media regarding a variety of topics including what he made of the recent performances by the Tigers.
“It’s now time for a long-term plan and restructuring of the team with the future of Bangladesh cricket in mind by the BCB. When the coaching staff gets together and plans, I’m sure our cricket can move forward,” Shakib said.
Bangladesh have recently announced the appointment of fast bowling coach, South Africa’s Charl Langeveldt and spin bowling coach, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, but are yet to name a head coach, following the sacking of Steve Rhodes.
The 32-year-old player did not mince his words when he said that players should not be playing if they are not fully fit; Mashrafe and Mahmudullah both played the World Cup with injuries and Mahmudullah also played the ODI series in Sri Lanka, which affected their performance.
“When a player is not fully fit, he should not be playing because it could affect his performance. It’s not possible for a player to continuously play without picking up any injuries.” the premier all-rounder added.
The number-one ranked ODI all-rounder also had some words of encouragement for Tamim, who has had a torrid time with the bat and looked visibly indecisive with his captaincy during the ODI series.
“He needs rest and time to recover and be back strongly, and I’m sure he is going to do the same,” Shakib explained.
The left-arm all-rounder was however unwilling to comment on the issues in the team and explained that it’s something that he and team need to discuss and properly come to an agreement and in unison, in order to move forward as a team.
Bangladesh are set to next play Afghanistan although the specific date has not been set yet and Shakib confirmed that he would be back in the team for that series.
“I’m planning on being back in the next series against Afghanistan so let’s all hope for the best,” Shakib concluded.