'Nothing compares to a Bangladesh win'

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan steps out of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Stadium yesterday after his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, who became the IPL champions.Photo: STAR

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned home yesterday after a successful campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with his side Kolkata Knight Riders clinching the trophy of the fifth edition of the money-spinning tournament.
The world's number one all-rounder's immediate feeling was that he needs a break from cricket at this point following a gruelling season but he was not sure whether he will take the rest. According to the former Bangladesh skipper, he always changes his plans, which is why it's not possible for him to comment on whether he will request the board to give him rest for any of the upcoming tours. The cricketers are scheduled to play a tri-nation T20 tournament in Zimbabwe in June and after that they will play a T20 tournament in Trinidad & Tobago, T20 matches against Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands as part of their preparation for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in September.
So, a busy schedule awaits the 25-year old all-rounder.
“Yes, I will play tomorrow's Premier League match. I have been playing too much cricket and that is why it would be better for me if I get a break from cricket. It's good that we have T20 matches before the World Cup but for me a break is needed most. I'm not sure whether I will request the board for a break,” said Shakib.
“You know I always change my mind. I can't stick to my plan, so right at this moment I may feel the necessity of a break but that can change,” he continued.
Shakib was a little frustration as he did not get the opportunity to play enough matches in the IPL but at the end he was happy to be a member of the champion team.
“For any team the ultimate goal is to become champions in any tournament. Nothing could have been better if I could have played all the matches but still I'm really excited because the IPL is best domestic tournament in the world, so I felt honoured that I made some contribution to this champion team,” opined the ever-confident Shakib.
“The celebration after the victory and reception in Kolkata was amazing and it's really something that was a new experience for me. Shah Rukh Khan was also over the moon because KKR didn't play well in the last four tournaments,” he informed.
Shakib however believes that nothing can be compared with the success of the national team.
“True, as a player I had not won any significant trophies, so in this context winning the IPL trophy is a good achievement for me but what I honestly feel is that nothing can compare to even a victory for the national team. Winning matches for the national team is something different from any other success,” observed the all-rounder.
Many believe that the Tigers may suffer again when they return to Test cricket after a long break as there are only T20 matches scheduled in the coming months.
“There had been too much talk about this matter earlier; I don't want to think about it. And no point to think about it; rather I will take everything that comes my way in my stride,” said Shakib.