ZCZC
BSP-24
CRICKET-RUSSEL-SHAKIB-BBPL
BBPL will miss Shakib: Russell
DHAKA, Dec 10, 2019 (BSS)- Andre Russell, considered as the most explosive
batsman in T20 cricket, said the Bangbandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL)
tournament will miss Shakib Al Hasan, the ace all-rounder who will not
present in the event due to serving the ban imposed by ICC.
Russell who is appointed as the captain of Rajshahi Royals also showed his
sympathy towards the world’s best all-rounder and expected that he would come
back strongly.
Shakib was banned for two years, with one year of that suspended due to his
failure to report corrupt approaches by the bookies to the International
Cricket Council (ICC).
Russell himself also experienced a one-year ban from cricket due to the
violation of doping-code. So, he knows well how it feels to be away from the
cricket.
“The whole BPL will miss Shakib,” Russell said here today. “He is a very
good player, a smart bowler and a good hitter of the ball… He is still a
young guy. I experienced one year ban as well, so it’s a matter of coming
back strongly and focusing on the right thing.”
Russell though has the experience of leading any side but in any foreign
domestic tournament, it is the first time that he is appointed as captain and
he is ready to take that challenge.
“I’m honoured for being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the
team. Regardless, I always look myself as a player in the heat. I have a very
big role in any team which I play for. It is going to be something new for me
outside the Caribbean. I have led Jamaica Tallawahs before. It will be
interesting and I am up for a challenge,” he remarked.
“I won’t say we have the best squad but we have a good team on paper. It is
a good start for any captain, coach and any team. We want to use the
experience of each player, which will put us in the right foot. We have
Shoaib Malik, myself, Ravi Bopara, Zazai and Das at the top. We have a few
good local talents. I have been watching videos, seeing what they can do. We
have a balanced squad including local and international fast bowlers. We have
good options,” Russell said.
BSS/SMP/SSS/2028 hrs