Six months have gone since the most powerful cricket coach of Bangladesh left his assignment without any prior notice after disastrous South Africa Tour. BCB could neither make him accountable nor could clarify to Bangladeshis what situation led him to not even oblige to contractual commitments. Bangladesh team remained without services of full time head coach in all assignment. With a very important and hectic season of international cricket season ahead and most importantly ICC world Cup and T20 world cup not very far BCB appears to be groping in the dark with many issues.
BCB president Nazmul Hasan Papon these days is seen more on other sports Hockey and Volleyball. The talk shop continues making controversial statements. He finds justification in cutting down the number of contracted players to all time low 10. He thinks Bangladesh has little prospect in ICC World Cup 2019. He finds little justifications in enigmatic Mashrafe Bin Mortaza venturing for a test return. It seems that in Bangladesh he is the only person who knows about cricket. Ridiculous and strange.
Bangladesh cricket since 2015 turned around with charismatic Mashrafe taking over the mantle of limited over cricket. There was never any doubt as a top quality all rounder though his batting did not blossom to its peak for recurring injuries. He had seven serious surgeries in his knee. Most international players hang up their boots after one or two. But one and only Mashrafe came back ignoring all his handicap. He remains the best new ball bowler even now in Bangladesh combining his wily crafty skills with his maturity and will power. He is a cheer leader and supreme inspirer. He led Bangladesh to a ODI unit which earned many laurels. From a mere push over Bangladesh became a force to reckon with. Pakistan, India , South Africa , New Zealand , Zimbabwe all lost ODI matches and even series . Elevation of Bangladesh among top 8 in ICC ranking ensured a berth for ICC world cup. He was maturing the team in T20 also when his emotion was rubbed by controversial team management. He suddenly announced retirement from T20 last year in Sri Lanka. We demand a probe what situation led to his sudden retirement.
Mashrafe proved his peerless skills and head and shoulder above all temperament taking record numbers of wickets in BCL in 2018 . He played all matches for the champion team Abahani KC. He showed no sign of any fatigue. He seems fit enough for at least two to three years for competitive international cricket. How can a person having no mentionable cricket playing background question about Mashrafe worthiness of playing any form of international cricket. If he himself thinks he can survive 5 days in test let him play one series at least. He can bowl 15-20 overs a day without any issues.
Bangladesh is competing to elevate position in ICC ranking. How BCB can reduce the numbers of contracted player axing some budding talents who just started blossoming. What was the role of highly paid coaching staff? What the hell the paid selectors are doing? What is Director Cricket Operation doing? Some senior pros like Tushar Imran and Abdur Razzak are going prolific match after match in domestic cricket. Why they are continuously ignored? Is it not the job of Coaching staff mentoring them and working on their fitness to bring them back in main fold? What about many youngsters in the fringe? Why a rare talent like Taskin being frustrated? Why there is no plan for developing shadows under Shakib, Tamim, Mashrafe, Musfique and Mahmudullah? What will happen when this “ PANCHO PANDOBS “ are no longer available to play . I think Bangladesh should have 20-25 players in three categories contracted with BCB.
About coaches from many bitter experiences in the past quality international coaches do not fancy working with BCB. Bangladesh must look into quality own resources. Aminul Islam Bulbul, Salahuddin, Imran, Wahhedul Gani can atleast be in charge of A team or development squad. Bulbul can be in charge of academy. He has extensive knowledge and international exposure. He has his heart for Bangladesh Cricket. I suggest instead of chasing Garry Kirsten and others with basket full of dollars Bangladesh would do much better with local coaches. But CAN THE LOCAL COACHES SURVIVE IN THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF BCB?
Finally what makes BCB President not sounding optimistic about Bangladesh prospect in ICC World Cup 2019? Bangladesh did wonderfully well in ICC World Cup 2015 played in Australia New Zealand. Qualifying for business round and playing in the quarter final against strong India at MCG was no mean achievement. Bulk of that team more matured is still there, Mustafiz and Miraz have been added. Why Bangladesh can not perform better in England? Did they do that bad in the Champions trophy? If Bangladesh cannot that will a major failure for BCB not creating required environment for Bangladeshis improving. BCB and its President must be held responsible for that. All teams have started planning for the World Cup but Bangladesh without a full time head coach can not. What a pity. I strongly protest the weird statements of BCB president regarding Mashrafe and Bangladeshi players.
BDST: 1540 HRS, May 01, 2018
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