Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan has called for a rotation policy for the “the bigger picture”, suggesting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to follow the footsteps of India to avoid injuries and extend the careers of their top players, as well as, unearth new talents for the team.

The 32-year-old had taken a break from Bangladesh’s short tour of Sri Lanka after his heroics at the World Cup 2019. Shakib told reporters in Dhaka, “A player can’t play all the time, they need to take breaks. The responsibility falls on both sides. It is also the responsibility to understand (when) a player is saying that I need or a break or the coaching staff is telling a player, you need a break. So, both sides must understand.”

The all-rounder continued, “I will give you an example from India. Their players had the least injuries in their history last year. One of the main reasons was their rotation policy. It helped them build many players who got exposure. At the same time, their players were fresh when they came to the side. Everyone, including Virat Kohli, got rested for one of the formats.

When these breaks are in place, you can give more opportunity to players and you will have players in the pipeline as well. So, we have to plan by looking at the bigger picture.”

He also urged his national set-up from administration to coaching staff and players to be on the same page in a bid to take Bangladesh cricket forward.

The former captain explained, “If we are to do this, we must have very good coordination between coaching staff, board, and players. Otherwise, there will be criticism if the right message is not sent. I am sure the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) are planning for the next three or four years.”

Shakib signed off by saying, “We have already appointed two coaches, and once all of them get together, the BCB can put forth their strategy. If we can work together, I think our cricket can go forward like it did in the last four years.”

(With Reuters Inputs)