DHAKA, May 9, 2020 (BSS)-With the future of ICC T20 World Cup in Australia
in next October-November is at stake, Bangladesh found some blessings in this
as they would get the service of the ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan if the
third biggest cricket extravaganza is finally deferred.
Even though the International Cricket Council is yet to give verdict on
whether the tournament will be deferred, the present condition, created a
confusion.
The tournament is scheduled to start on the third week of October this
year, with the teams playing first round to make them qualify for the
tournament proper where the big eight teams got automatic entry.
Bangladesh is drawn is Group B along with Namibia, Netherlands and
Scotland. They will play against those three opponents on October 19, 21 and
23. The Group A however consisted with Ireland, Oman, Papua New Guiana and
Sri Lanka.
Shakib Al Hasan’s ban will be lifted on October 29 but if the tournament
is held in scheduled time, he can’t be available for the selection because
the ICC won’t give the permission to change the team in the midst of the
tournament.
So in that case, only he could be available for Bangladesh if the
tournament fixture see a change due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu however had no reservation
to admit that they will be really happy if the tournament is deferred.
“We will be benefitted if we get the service of Shakib Al Hasan. You know
if Shakib plays for Bangladesh, our chance in the T20 World Cup will be
definitely enhanced,” Minahjul told the reporters.
At the same time, the chief selector revealed that they will get enough
time to build a team for the T20 world Cup if the tournament is deferred.
“It is difficult to think about cricket in the present condition. If the
tournament is deferred for sometimes, we will get adequate time to build our
team because it will also give us the opportunity to experiment with more
players,” he added.
Minhajul Abedin Nannu however doesn’t want to think about cricket at this
difficult time.
“I am in the favour of bringing back cricket after this situation is over.
We have to think about the safety of the players. If the things become
normal, we will also have to allow them some time to recover. We need to see
their fitness, health issue and others because they will play cricket in the
ground.”
Bangladesh saw a postponement of three series till now-their second phase
tour of Pakistan, a tour in Ireland and England and the home Test series
against Australia.
It is highly likely that Bangladesh will see a rush of cricket once it
resumes. The FTP could be prepared, giving importance on the postponed
series. Considering these factors, Minhajul is in favour to keep enough
players ready.
“We have to prepare ourselves for continuous cricket once the pandemic is
over. So the fitness is imperative. At the same time, we have to keep ready a
good number of players because the players would have to play cricket at a
stretch,” he concluded.