Ahead of Bangladesh’s India tour opening T20I at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium on 3rd November, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tigers’ newly-appointed T20 captain, has admitted that his team will feel the absence of the iconic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the coming challenging series here.
However, Mahmudullah, said, at the same, it is a great opportunity for the youngsters to step up and perform in the series against India, while insisted that the players like Shakib are not made in a day and it would be difficult for anyone to replace the all-rounder.
Shakib was banned by the ICC for two years for not reporting corrupt approaches during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Mahmudullah admitted that he made a mistake, but not a crime.
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The skipper further added that Shakib remains a loved character in Bangladesh cricket and will be welcomed with open arms when he will be free to resume international cricket on 29 October 2020.
Speaking to media ahead of Delhi T20I, Mahmudullah said: “We all know Shakib has been a great performer for Bangladesh. We know he did a mistake, but not a crime. His absence will be felt but we do have some very good talent in our team. Nobody becomes Shakib in a year.”
He continued, “It took him 10-12 years to reach this stage. Let me tell you. We loved Shakib, still love Shakib and will continue loving Shakib. And when he comes back, he will be welcomed with open arms. We all support him and hope he overcomes this soon.”
Meanwhile, Mahmudullah said the issue has now gone and they are now just focusing on the first T20I against India. He added: “We all are right now focussing on tomorrow's game and win the game as it would be a perfect opportunity for our youngsters to step up and showcase their skills.”
On his strategy for Delhi clash, he said: “Focus will be on their batting and will try to put a big score as it will hand their bowlers a platform to prove themselves. I think this (Shakib’s absence) will work as motivation for us.
I think there’s no greater honor than playing for the country. The responsibility to lead the side lies with me, so I will try to give it my all. I will try to step up and be a good leader. It is a great opportunity for me to lead my side. We have to play as a team and execute our skills.”
There are a lot of talks about Delhi pollution and Bangladesh skipper said that’s something which is out of their control so they are just focusing on winning the game rather air quality in the capital.
Mahmudullah signed off, “We had a chat about this (the conditions) with our management and players. It is something that is not probably in our control. We are focussing on our game and want to win it.”
(With IANS Inputs)
