Fully behind Tamim: Mushy
Bangladesh star Mushfiqur Rahim attended a reunion lunch as part of BKSP's 20th batch at the BKSP campus in Savar yesterday and, while talking to reporters, backed the idea of Tamim Iqbal being appointed captain of the ODI side while also reiterating that the plans to produce a pipeline for the senior team were bearing fruit as was evidenced by the good performances against Zimbabwe.
Mushfiqur, who has captained Bangladesh in all three formats previously, said that the team was behind Tamim and affirmed that familiarity had bred confidence in their new captain.
"We have played under him [Tamim] before and the fact is that whoever becomes the captain, the main thing is that we have played together for 15 years. We all know how he is and what his abilities are. So, we are all fully supporting him after he got the responsibility," Mushfiqur said.
He expected Tamim to lead well since his performances over the years have been crucial to Bangladesh. "He has been playing really well for the past few years and we hope he will lead the side forward in the very same manner. Leadership is a challenging thing," Mushfiqur reminded.
Bangladesh pulled off a remarkable feat, defeating Zimbabwe with a commendable clean sweep in all three formats in the recently-concluded series at home. Mushfiqur reiterated that winning was a responsibility and the national team's pipeline was doing the trick for them.
"Those who are playing have been consistent. The BCB has invested in these players over the last five to six years. There was a lot of talk before Zimbabwe series regarding how long these players would last since they were not consistent. It's a matter of time though. Some take one year while others take five years. But the BCB invested and it is bearing fruit. Playing Zimbabwe is not easy because there is no praise when you win but you will be criticized if the team loses.
"In that regard, it is a milestone. Many of the players are doing well on a consistent basis. As [Mahmudullah] Riyad bhai said 'this is the standard we have to establish'," he said.
The national team's players are gearing up for the start of the Dhaka Premier League, slated to begin on March 15th, even as the coronavirus crisis has already dampened sporting activities around the country and worldwide.
Mushfiqur, who will be leading Abahani this term, said that everybody has to come together to overcome the crisis. "It has spread very quickly around the world and some have contracted the disease in our country. But it has not spread much yet and it's better to be as careful as we can be.
However, he cited that players also need to play cricket for their earnings. "We are players and we have to earn our living through sport. Talking about administrators, not just about the virus but if everyone carries out their duty then they will not only be helping themselves but others too. Maybe matches will take place in empty galleries all over the world. If we can work together then there will be progress," he said.
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