Published on 12:00 AM, July 18, 2019

Uncertain Mahmud oversees Tigers

Khaled Mahmud -- still uncertain about his role in team -- was seen discussing with Wasim Jaffer (L), Bangladesh’s batting consultant for the Sri Lanka tour, in Mirpur yesterday. PHOTO: STAR
Sports Reporter

At first glance, one might think that there is a club team training at the home of cricket in Mirpur with an apparent lack in intensity, as the cricketers were partaking in a casual outing.

Interestingly, it was the first day of the Tigers' three-day training camp which resumed yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium in Mirpur before their departure for Sri Lanka on July 20 to take part in the three match ODI series.

Only half of the 14-member squad were present as skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman attended the training session.

Several members of the upcoming ODI tour in Mohammad Mithun, Mohammad Saifuddin, Sabbir Rahman, Anamul Haque Bijoy and Rubel Hossain are with Bangladesh A to play the first ODI against touring Afghanistan A. Taijul Islam is playing for BCB XI in India while Tamim Iqbal who is in Thailand for personal reason was also absent. Taijul will join the team directly from India, while Rubel, Sabbir, Mithun and Anamul, who are in Chattogram to play against Afghanistan A, will depart for Sri Lanka July 22.

Mahmudullah Riyad, who recovered from a Grade 1 tear on his right calf muscle which he sustained during the World Cup, had a good practice with the bat during Tigers’ first day of the training ahead of their Sri Lanka tour in Mirpur yesterday. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

The players participated in a fielding session before having a net session at the centre wicket as the batting consultant Wasim Jaffer worked on Soumya Sarkar's batting while Khaled Mahmud conducted the training session.

Meanwhile even Mahmud is still not sure of his role as he once again expressed his desire to become part of the team for a longer period.

"Yes, I did want to be in charge for a longer period but there haven't been any discussions with the board yet. Akram [Khan] bhai told me that 'now you look after the team as there is no coach of the team at the moment.' But still I haven't been notified officially by the board. But I have been a part of Bangladesh cricket for a long time and I always love to do anything for the team.

Skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (inset) was in a jolly mood as he was seen having fun with former player Javed Omar during practice session. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

"So, as the team needs me, I am here. But definitely I will talk about this. I am actually not sure about my role in the team. Then again, we might even find a new coach in the meantime and that would be a really good news. But at the moment, I will be there in the upcoming 2-3 days practice sessions. I would have been with the team as a manager if not as a coach so let's see," Mahmud told the reporters yesterday.

Despite the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das for personal reasons, Mahmud however said that the setup is good enough and the Tigers will be looking to clinch the series.

The hangover of the ICC World Cup and the absence of a few players might be the reason for a rather laid-back approach in the training session but the intensity is expected to rise once all the players re-group again for the mission in Sri Lanka.

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