Returning to international cricket after being on the sidelines for three months might feel like a new beginning for Bangladesh‘s cricketers. They will take on Pakistan in a three-match ODI series at home starting later this week, which will be their first outing since December 2, when the T20 World Cup was at the front and centre of their plans.
All of it, however, was upended in January. The players’ dreams unravelled amid a political standoff that ended with theICC replacing Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup. The BCB attempted to soften the blow by arranging two short domestic tournaments, but those were never going to serve as meaningful substitutes for a major international tournament. With the T20 World Cup now an uncomfortable memory, Bangladesh are readjusting their long-term goal towards the next World Cup, the ODI version in 2027, with an emphasis on securing automatic qualification.
Najmul Hossain Shanto thinks the goal is achievable if Bangladesh can remain a close-knit unit with consistent performances. Shanto wants to set an example by becoming more consistent with the bat, while acknowledging that his role as Test captain carries added responsibility even in ODIs, where Mehidy Hasan Miraz is the captain.
“It is definitely going to be a new start,” Shanto told ESPNcricinfo. “Whichever way you see it, our goal is to ultimately reach the 2027 World Cup. If we can progress together with each other, as a team, I think it is possible. We have to shut out the outside noise. We also have to be patient with this group of players. We have to stick to our long-term goals. It would ensure our success.
“I think as a batter in the ODI side, or certainly as someone who leads one of the teams, I will demand consistency from myself. That’s what I can tell you about my perspective. I think that should be the understanding within the team as well – that we all look for consistency in ODIs. We haven’t had a great time off late in the format, but there’s plenty of room for improvement. I believe we can have a better year in ODIs.”
Shanto’s team-mate Taskin Ahmed, who will be leading the bowling unit against Pakistan, is excited about playing and international cricket after a long break. Taskin said the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) One-Day domestic competition was a helpful way to get into the 50-over mode.
“Of course it is exciting to play ODIs after a long time; plus it is our first series of the year,” Taskin said. “We have been playing a lot of T20Is in preparation for the T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, we couldn’t play the tournament. So now our focus has shifted to ODIs. We have had a good outing in the domestic BCL tournament. It was good preparation in sporting conditions. We are hopeful of having a strong performance [against Pakistan].
“They are a very good side, who, like us, will also be eyeing the World Cup. We have played a lot of T20Is against them recently, but now ODIs will be our main purpose when playing these bilateral series. We have plenty of home and away ODIs coming up against good sides. It won’t be easy against Pakistan, against whom we have to bring our A-game to win the series.”
Bangladesh’s fast-bowling unit must prioritise fitness over the next two years leading into the World Cup, according to Taskin.
“The improvement of the fast-bowling unit is quite visible. Everyone has great work ethic,” he said. “There is teamwork within the bowling unit. Everyone wants to improve. It is, however, important that we take every series, every match with utmost diligence. The World Cup is not too far away. I want us to be fit and ready, which will ensure that we will be most prepared for the World Cup.”
Mohammad Salahuddin, the senior assistant coach, meanwhile, said he wants to see progress in batting and bowling in the middle overs.
“We had the likes of Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq and Riyad (Mahmudullah), who had the muscle memory when batting in ODIs – particularly in the middle overs,” Salahuddin said. “Their numbers also reflect that. That’s one area of improvement for the current side. We are missing that level of experience.
“We also need to bowl better in the middle overs – especially on flat tracks. We won’t always get help from the surface. Taking wickets in the middle overs has become a huge factor. Rishad [Hossain] can help alleviate this problem. He is a good bowler. I think batting and bowling in the middle overs has become an area that needs improvement.”
Salahuddin said the players must slowly forget about the T20 World Cup and use the upcoming series as a platform for a new beginning in their careers.
“It is a psychological matter. It was the first World Cup for some players, so there was a sense of regret [on missing it],” he said. “It was explained to them that they can’t really dwell on it for too long. I think [missing out on the T20 World Cup] wouldn’t have happened if we were a world-class side. I think the motivation among the players is to become that world-class side in the future.
“It is time that we stop mulling on the past. Everyone has to get out of that mindset, and I think they are accepting the situation. I think when they played the Odommo Cup [a three-team T20 tournament] last month, the players looked more focused on cricket. I think there is huge potential for some players to establish themselves in the ODI side.”
