'We have to be realistic'

The term "Banglawash" has been added to the cricketing dictionary and the man who coined it is former Bangladesh batsman-turned-commentator Athar Ali Khan. It was a spontaneous innovation after Bangladesh whitewashed New Zealand at home in 2010. As a commentator, the evergreen Athar has got opportunity to keep a keen eye on the Tigers' performances since 2000 and from that perspective he said that everybody should have realistic expectations regarding Bangladesh's chances in the upcoming ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand from February 14.

"I know about the expectations 16 crore people have from our cricket team, but it has to be realistic. We must take our opponents into consideration. I believe in Bangladesh and I honestly believe that they are capable of winning matches against any team. But see, even India is struggling in Australia after playing four Test matches, so you can understand what I mean when I say we have to be realistic," said Athar, who is always enthusiastic about Bangladesh cricket.

"Right at this moment I am not looking beyond February 18. We will need to win our first game against Afghanistan and after that many things can happen in favour of the Tigers. I watched the Big Bash League final on Wednesday at Manuka Oval in Canberra where Bangladesh will play their first match and my opinion is that those conditions will suit our team most. If we can play our natural game then a win is obvious against the Afghans," opined Athar.

And his suggestions were that Bangladesh team should be confident, but they should also bear in mind that overconfidence can shatter their hopes.

Athar said that the expectations from the team were low before the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, but newcomers did wonders to raise the head of Bangladesh cricket.

"The 2007 World Cup introduced the players like Shakib [Al Hasan], Tamim [Iqbal] and Mushfiqur [Rahim] and after eight years the huge responsibility is now on their shoulders. Why should we not be hopeful when we have the world's best all-rounder in Shakib in all three formats, a technically correct batsman like Mushfiqur, a different Tamim who has shown an altogether different approach in his batting in recent times? I believe these gentlemen will take the opportunity to show their mettle on the biggest stage," hoped Athar.

Athar's voice may not be there to encourage the Bangladeshi supporters during the World Cup as he will not be available in the commentary box, but the chant will ring out from his heart: "Go ahead Bangladesh".