Former captains Habibul Bashar, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, and Khaled Mashud Pilot didn't mince words: this isn't just a passing stumble. It's a full-blown crisis in Bangladesh cricket.
Despite posting an imposing 205 for five in the second and penultimate T20I on Monday, the Tigers fell apart in the field, suffering their first-ever loss to the hosts in any format.
The decision was taken following discussions between Emirates Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Known primarily for his left-arm spin, Rakibul is beginning to showcase the kind of all-round ability that could one day earn him a similar status. His recent match-winning performances with both bat and ball in the emerging team suggest that Bangladesh may have found a new dual-threat talent in the making.
The least the board can do is maintain a basic line of communication and show they care about engagement beyond the boundary.
With a five-T20I tour of Pakistan to follow, and the Asia Cup likely to be staged in the UAE, these games offer a timely opportunity to assess conditions and sharpen plans.
As it seems, the dilemma for Bangladesh remains: is Shanto worth the tactical compromise?
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official on Thursday said that they have received clearance from the government regarding the Tigers' upcoming tour of Pakistan later this month.
The two sides will now play a two-match four-day series, with the first game starting on May 14 in Sylhet.
“He wants to play Tests, and we will talk to the medical team,” a member of the selection panel told The Daily Star.
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in constant communication with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the A team’s tour," said the BCB in their statement.
The team for the Pakistan series is yet to be announced but a probable contingent of players were set to begin skill training under head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and other coaching staff on Sunday. But practice had to be cancelled due to the ongoing unrest.
Bangladesh A will fly to Pakistan on August 6.
Bangladesh Cricket Board announced separate squads for its forthcoming Pakistan tour.
“I agree that his [Hathurusingha] man management style and communication is totally different. His biggest problem is his difficulty in adjusting to our country’s culture,” the BCB president said on Hathurusingha, whose contract will run till the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The kind of spin Rishad produces can be an asset for the Bangladesh Test team, who have often found wanting in away series due to a lack of variety.
“We are confined to a pool of 27 to 30 players in all three formats. We can only select players from this group. If we can’t prepare at least 45 players, we can’t create a sense of competition among the players,” added the former national team selector.
The batting coach of the Tigers sheds light on team’s preparation and chances for the upcoming away Test series in Pakistan.
Bangladesh seamer Mohammad Saifuddin does not always make things easy for himself whenever he speaks to the media.
