'If there's a problem, it's Mushy's own'

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said yesterday that while others could give suggestions, there is no scope for anyone to dictate the captain's decisions.

The BCB president made the comment after Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim said during the post-match press conference in Chittagong on Thursday that one would need to ask the higher-ups or team management about the redefinition of his role in the team and the peculiar batting reshuffle which promoted Nasir Hossain to number four while recasting Mominul Haque as the number eight.

"I want to clear up one thing which is that we can only give him suggestions but in no way force him. We have discussed many issues, including strategy, but I never dictate him. I don't know exactly what he meant but he is also involved if it was a decision by the team management," Hassan explained to reporters yesterday.

"The day prior I had discussed whether he could go back to number four but he [Mushfiqur] stuck to his decision. If there is any problem then it is his problem. ODI captain Mashrafe [Bin Mortaza] and T20 captain Shakib [Al Hasan] never faced anything like this. You simply cannot change Mashrafe's mind after he takes any decision," he added.

On the other hand, BCB cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan told reporters that they would discuss redefining Mushfiqur's role ahead of the South Africa tour as the captain himself raised the issue.

"Both parties will need to sit [together] to take the decision. We kept Liton Das in the squad for the past series as there were thoughts of releasing some of the burden on Mushfiqur. As the question came to his [Mushfiqur's] mind, we will take the decision that will be best for the team," Akram said.

Meanwhile the BCB president also hinted at a change to the team for the South Africa tour, saying that opener Anamul Haque could be a good option especially as they have been considering having a right-left combination in the top order.

"It's not like someone will come into the team if I propose their name, but Bijoy [Anamul Haque] is an option for us. I will sit with the team management to know their plan," said Hassan.

The BCB president also emphasised on bringing new players into the team with an eye on the future.