Bangladesh cricket starts busy bustling 2022 mission with T20 and ODI series against very lively and strong Afghanistan. That engagement would be followed by difficult tour to South Africa. In recent past Bangladesh cricket depleted to rock bottom in all formats.  T20 World Cup, test and ODI series against Pakistan at home, Under-19 ODI championship witnessed Bangladesh striking rock bottom. The most frustrating is that the reigning world champions of under 19 finished 8th in 2022. 

There was no explanation for the inexcusable performance. Of the five South Asian teams qualifying for business round Bangladesh finished at the bottom. Despite of the upcoming test and ODI series Bangladesh preparation is bare minimum. The performances of local players in ongoing BPL 2022 apart from performances of top national players (Shakib, Tamim, Mahmudullah Mustafiz and Liton) are nothing mentionable. Apart from Mritunjoy, Munim Shahriar and Mahmud Hasan Joy none could impress at all. Amidst frustrations of depleting performance curb of national team has added reluctance of Tamim for T20 and Shakib for test cricket. In such situation white ball series against strong Afghanisthan at home and matches in different formats against strong South Africa on tour would be extremely challenging for Bangladesh.

Following disastrous T20 World cup performance bowling coach, fitness coach and batting coach have left BCB assignments. But the most controversial head coach still stays in position. While bringing back former successful head coach Australian Jimmy Siddons as a bowling coach is appreciable, giving him assignment as batting coach made Ashwell Prince, the former batting coach leave the job. Cricket enthusiasts observed that Ashwell could be retained through making Jimmy Siddons head coach through replacing controversial Russell Domingo. Shaun Tait offered to work as bowling coach. But for indecision of BCB he has taken up coaching assignment of Pakistan team. As such the preparation of Bangladesh for very busy 2022 is not even bare minimum. Bangladesh would play few important test series at home and on tour and would also feature in some important T20 and ODI series. There would be Asia cup and T20 world cup as well. 

While all these happened Tamim Iqbal continues remaining hesitant for T20 International and Shakib Al Hasan appears preferring IPL over national assignments. All are aware that Mahmudullah has already retired from test cricket. We know BPL does not match with IPL, PSL or Big Bash in matters of quality , composition . But cricket enthusiasts thought some quality youngsters would emerge from BPL 2022. Unfortunately, with two third of BPL 2022 already gone not many quality new comers could impress. The top performers are Shakib, Tamim, Mustafiz, Mahmudullah and Liton . Only few like Mrintunjoy, Munim Shahriar and Mahmudul Hasan Joy performed above par. In such situation T20 and ODI series against Afghanistan at home would be extremely challenging. Afghans are very strong in T20 having some world class performers. Apart from Rashid Khan, Mujeeb and Nabi they have some aggressive batsmen like Shehzad, Zazai, Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah. Some quality pace bowlers have also emerged. We are not sure whether Bangladesh can even compete with them.

Tamim would not play T20 for another six months. In such situation the major problem would be opening partnership. Liton appears to be the prime choice. Mahmudul Hasan Joy is still a rookie. We are not sure that Mohammad Naim can be tried again, Neither could Soumya impress. Munim Shahriar can be given opportunity. I am not sure that Imrul Kayes or Anamul Haq did enough to get recall. Positions 3, 4 and 5 for T20 are almost settled with Shakib, Mushfique and Mahmudullah. Mushfique looked a bit rusty.  I do not think Nazmul Hossain Shanto did enough in BPL to be considered for white ball cricket. Postion 6 is open for the grab, If BCB wants experience Shuvagato Home can be a choice or Rabbi fits in there. Spinning all rounder Mahedi Hasan can play at 7 in T20 and Mehedy Miraj in ODI. The pace attack is getting stronger. Mustafiz is in brilliant form. Mrittunjoy impressed all in his maiden appearance in BPL. Shariful and Ebadat looked ok. Taskin is not sure of recovering on time for Afghan series. He must not be rushed. 

Bangladesh has no opportunity for preparing separately for Afghanistan series. I am not sure BCB planned it well. It would be demoralizing if Bangladesh lose both the series. Playing T20 matches against world class Afghan spinners at Shere Bangla national stadium would be great risk. I think ODI series at Chattogram would be far more competitive.  

Bangladesh must take lesson from Afghanistan. Their star players left PSL for the series preparation. While Bangladesh players hesitate to appear for the national team.

BDST: 1525 HRS, FEB 09, 2022
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