Ace all-rounder Sakib al Hasan believes compatriot Mustafizur Rahman has the potential to shine in the forthcoming Indian Premier League and does not require any suggestions in this regard. Sakib will leave Bangladesh on Tuesday to take part in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders while Mustafiz is expected to follow him soon to debut in the cash-rich tournament for Surisers Hyderabad.
According to the experienced Twenty20 campaigner, the young left-arm pace bowler just needs to concentrate on his fitness to create an impact in the tournament as he possesses all the required bowling skills.
Sakib along with his wife Umme Ahmed Shishir signed a two-year contract with mobile telephone operator Banglalink as their brand ambassadors.
Though it was only a renewed deal for Sakib, Sishir, who was his co-model in a TV commercial, took up the role for the first time.
‘I have nothing to advice him [regarding how to prepare for IPL],’ Sakib told reporters during the press conference on Monday.
‘He is one of the best bowlers in the World especially in shorter versions,’ Sakib said of Mustafiz, the new pace bowling sensation, who was included in the ICC team for World Twenty20 as 12th man on Sunday.
Mustafiz missed the qualifying round and first Super10 match of the tournament thorough injury but came back strongly to take nine wickets in three matches, including 5-22, the best bowling figure in the tournament.
While Sakib remained optimistic with Mustafiz he did not alter his motto that he carries while playing in any kind of tournament.
‘My target always remains the same,’ said Sakib.
‘When I play for a team I always try to contribute for the team as much as possible,’ he said.
‘For winning the team, I try to do my utmost best,’ he said.
‘I will not be always successful but I will try to give my 100 per cent for the team’s success,’ he said.
Sakib said that Tigers are on the right path as far as their improvement is concerned in the shortest format.
‘It’s important that the position we are now possessing in world cricket, from where we could compete against any team, is a sign of improvement.
Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal became the highest run getter and owner of the highest innings in the tournament, and Sakib thought the performance of Mustafiz and Tamim proves Tigers’ improvement.
‘Highest run-getter or best bowling figure was its proof. I think we may be selected as the best catch taker in World T20,’ said the all-rounder.
‘Overall, it proves that how much improvement we have acquired now in world cricket.
‘We’ve to cross a long way ahead. The way we are moving forward I think we are in right direction,’ said the experienced campaigner.
-With New Age input
