Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. File Photo.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto urged for tempered expectations ahead of the World Cup scheduled for June-July in the USA and the West Indies.
Shanto made the statement on Tuesday (16 April) during a media session while signing a brand ambassador agreement with a corporation.
“I’ve a request to you all, we don’t need to expect much,” Najmul implored the reporters. “Everyone wants to achieve big things for Bangladesh, but when we talk much about these, I don’t like it personally. We will see when the result comes.”
Bangladesh recently concluded home series against Sri Lanka, with losses in the T20I and Test matches raising concerns about the team's form ahead of the World Cup.
Next, Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, with the first three matches in Chattogram and the remaining two in Dhaka.
“I can assure you that we will give our 120 percent to play well and win,” Shanto added. “We will go to the World Cup with a high expectation.”
Shanto also addressed the potential return of Tamim Iqbal but couldn't provide a specific timeframe. He suggested Tamim might make a decision after the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League season.
“If he returns to any format of the game, I will be so happy. Not just me, but I think everyone in the country, and every cricketer will be happy for him,” Shanto said of Tamim’s possible comeback.
For now, Shanto emphasizes the upcoming Zimbabwe series starting May 3rd in Chattogram: “This series is important for us. If we play well in this series, we will get confidence ahead of the World Cup. It would be ideal if the wickets in this series are similar to the ones we'll encounter at the World Cup in the World Cup.”
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