The 2023 edition of Asia Cup is all set to get underway on August 30 featuring six teams – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal.
This continental event provides a great opportunity for the Asian sides to finalize their playing combination ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
However, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan said his side isn’t looking at Asia Cup as a preparatory ground for the 50-over World Cup.
The Tigers have had a mixed run in the ODI format over the last year or so. In the 2022/23 season, they won the ODI series against India (2-1), Ireland (2-0) at home and lost the series against England by a margin of 1-2.
In the ongoing season, they won 2-0 against Ireland away from home before being outclassed by a spirited Afghanistan side (2-1) at home.
Moreover, they were hit by Tamim Iqbal’s retirement in July before he reversed his decision, and then quit the ODI captaincy due to a back injury in August.
"You cannot think of the World Cup with the Asia Cup because they are two different tournaments," Shakib told reporters.
"Yes, if we can do well and develop as a good team in Asia Cup, in that case we have some good chance to do well in the World Cup and from that point of view Asia Cup is important.
“But it is not like if we do badly in the Asia Cup will imply that there is no chance for us in the World Cup nor if we do great will suggest that our chances in the World Cup will increase substantially.
Shakib made it clear that his side will focus on the World Cup only after the Asia Cup comes to an end.
“Now the whole plan is based on the Asia Cup and the preparation and team is prepared accordingly. When we finish the Asia Cup, the World Cup will come and we will think about it at that point of time. Now we are thinking only about Asia Cup and more precisely we are only thinking about Afghanistan, Sri Lanka game.”
Bangladesh coach Hathurusingha echoed Shakib’s statement and said: "Definitely, our aim is to qualify for the second round first. We are playing in Sri Lanka against Sri Lanka. They're a very good team at home. And then, we are playing Afghanistan in Pakistan and lately, they played here and they won the series. So, there are big challenges but we are up for it."
Bangladesh will open their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on August 31.
(With ICC Inputs)
