Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan came down heavily on the Akram Khan-led selection panel for not taking his opinion over the selection of the team for Zimbabwe.
The all-rounder, who returned home from England on Sunday after playing county cricket, expressed his disappointment over the team selection while talking with the reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, continuing the streak of controversy with Akram’s first selection.
Shakib, when asked whether he was consulted with, said the selectors didn’t talk with him, adding: “I was told about the team after the selection. I feel that way [should talk with the captain of the team before any selection] and they should have felt similarly. They should have discussed with me before selection of the team for the Zimbabwe tour.”
The Bangladesh skipper apparently looked angry with the matter and was not ready to make any comment on the 15-member team, which was announced on last Friday after a drama. “The people who selected the team can tell better how good the team is,” responded Shakib, jokingly assuring that he will play with his eleven on the field.
Chief selector Akram Khan however was shocked and surprised by the comments of the Bangladesh skipper.
“I’m really shocked. It’s really hard for me to believe that Shakib made such comments,” said a disappointed Akram in his instant reaction over telephone, adding that the captain was very much part of the team selection procedure.
“I personally talked with him over telephone in front of my colleagues [Minhazul Abedin and Habibul Bashar] to take his view over the selection. I mentioned all the names for his opinions and he said it is okay.”
Shakib might be annoyed with the team selection but he was optimistic about the upcoming tour to Zimbabwe where Bangladesh will play one Test and five one-day internationals.
“It would be a tough tour and it’s always a challenge for us when we play with Zimbabwe. Off late we have had good records against them and hope it would be a good trip for us if we make a good start. I’m hopeful,” said Shakib.
“The boys has been working hard in the preparation camp and played some longer-version matches which I think will be helpful for the team to adjust with the Test cricket after a long fourteen months break.
“It would have been nice if we could play more games in Zimbabwe because a competitive match is always different from one which played among own players,” added Shakib.
Bangladesh captain was not at all happy with his batting performance in the T20 matches but the left-hander was not worried with his form and also assured that the fatigue will not be an issue despite the fact that he has been playing cricket for last one and a half years without any break.
Praising Stuart Law’s rich experience in international cricket as a player and coach, Shakib hoped that something better will come from the Australian for Bangladesh cricket during his 2-year stint with the Tigers.
-With The Daily Star input
