Mahmud urges '365 days' of patience

Bangladesh players were not the only ones to receive sticks from fans and the media following the debacle in the Asia Cup as the Tigers' team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon also came under scrutiny, triggered by his aggressive responses made during the continental championship.

On Sunday's episode of The Daily Star's multimedia show, Non Striker's End powered by Daraz, Mahmud opened up and discussed various topics, among which the Asia Cup was a prominent one.

Mahmud, one of the most influential members of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), urged for a year of patience and positivity from the fans and media in order to restore order and structure in the Tigers' T20 outfit.

"We are not being patient enough. We often lose our cool following each failure. I admit the fact that Bangladesh's back is against the wall at the moment in the T20 format and there is no other way than to improve from this situation. So, you need to give us some time. I am not saying that Bangladesh will achieve big in the upcoming World Cup but at the same time there is a possibility of doing well," Mahmud told The Daily Star during the interview.

Photo: Star

"I didn't want many days. I just want 365 days. Just promise that you won't ask any negative questions to anyone, not even the board directors, coach, and selectors. I want everyone to have confidence in the team and the confidence to spread everywhere through the media, just like the negative news gets spread. So, I urge you to give us a year" Mahmud added.

The 51-year-old also blamed social media and mainstream media for twisting facts. He said that even someone like Shakib Al Hasan remains afraid of taking decisions for the same reason.

"Things get twisted in such a manner that even our players are afraid to give interviews to the media. They think that the news will be twisted which will eventually harm their career. It's like the media is controlling their career and it's wrong.

"They are unable to play with freedom because of Facebook, YouTube, and the media and even a person like Shakib is afraid of taking decisions. Shakib is the biggest name in Bangladesh cricket and even he thinks twice and asks me will it be right to make a tough call," he said.

The readers can watch the full interview on The Daily Star's Facebook page and YouTube Channel.