Bangladesh T20I captain Mahmudullah Riyad has confirmed his participation for the upcoming tour to Pakistan after gaining approval from his family who had their reservations over the batsman travelling to the country because of security concerns.
Former Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, however, won't be going for the series despite a more player-friendly, three-part itinerary created by the officials from two countries following ICC chairman Shashank Manohar's intervention.
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"It was definitely tough [the decision to tour Pakistan] initially because there were (security) concerns from my family," Cricbuzz quoted Mahmudullah as saying before the team's departure for the first leg, a three-match T20I series, beginning January 24.
"I have discussed with my family and I am quite relieved that my family is at peace (about touring Pakistan)."
"Pakistan is providing us with the best possible security arrangements. The members of the squad are not worried about security at all. We are only thinking about our game; how to perform well and win," he added.
Mahmudullah was given the leadership mettle in the shortest-format ahead of the November's India tour when Shakib Al Hasan was banned by the ICC for failing to report a corrupt approach.
"I don't know yet (about my captaincy status) as I am given the responsibility for this series. I will try to utilize the chance properly. The responsibility is developing further every series," he said, wanting greater clarity with regards to his job and seeking support from coach Russell Domingo.
"If he (Domingo) has the faith in me, then I am thankful and I think Russel is a very experienced coach and he knows how to handle all the players of the team," Mahmudullah added
"If the responsibility is given on full-term basis, then I definitely think it will be helpful for planning. It is completely the board's decision. As of now, I am given the I am only focused on the next series."
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
