Chaos in Bangladesh has not impacted Bangladeshi cricketers

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes that the tense political situation and unrest in Bangladesh has no such major impact on the national cricketers, adding they are mature and are excited for the two-match test series against Pakistan at the latter’s backyard.
“I think no,” Mushtaq told a news conference after a practice session here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday when asked the situation back home would have affected them.
“All players are very mature and they are very excited and looking forward to play the first test at Rawalpindi. Our management is very good with the players. Shakib-Al-Hasan is playing his good positive role and he is giving advice to the young people who have come for the first time. When you come here so your entire focus is on cricket,” said Mushtaq, also a former Pakistan test leggie.
Bangladesh is in chaos these days due to students’ revolution which has led to toppling of the biggest political and judiciary office bearers. Former cricketers-turned politicians’ houses also came under attack during countrywide protests.
Bangladesh test team was scheduled to land in Pakistan for a couple of test matches on August 17 but they came here four days early than their original schedule on the invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the hosts wanted the visitors to get some solid practice with peace in Pakistan ahead of the first test which will begin in Rawalpindi from August 21. The second test will begin at Karachi from August 30.
Mushtaq said that Bangladesh are going on a good direction as a team.
“Our main focus will be to boost their confidence and make them believe in themselves. Bangladesh are a good side. In the World Cup they challenged good teams and they can challenge good teams. A good thing in Bangladesh team now is that they are getting good fast bowlers. They have good four to five pacers and I think they are going on a good direction. May be, it takes time but if they keep learning and they keep believing in themselves so hopefully it can make a difference and they can also impress in away series as well,” Mushtaq said.
Mushtaq said that spinners’ role is always crucial.
“Spinners’ role is always very important, not for taking wickets only but they also give rest to the pacers,” Mushtaq said.
“Bangladeshi spinners are very good and mature. My role is to talk about tactical and technical things. Tactically you can tell them how to use angles; reading pitch, and the pace with which to bowl and what type of field needs to be set for a particular batsman. It does not mater how much you get experience you need those reminders. Tajul Islam and Miraz Mehidy are match winners. I am happy to working with such a great bunch of guys. They are very good. They are coachable people and they are good listeners. I am having a good time with them. And with my experience whatever I can I can make a difference as well inshaAllah,”
Mushtaq appreciated the PCB’s step to invite Bangladesh earlier due to tense situation in Dhaka.
“The PCB is always doing one thing good as they called the BCB to bring your team earlier and they would look after them. This is called brotherhood and great relationship. The proactively PCB took the decision we should give them credit. The PCB camp really appreciated that. It will strengthen the relations and Bangladesh is also thinking about exchange training programmes and I think that relations would go a long way and I think we should give credit to the PCB.