Shakib Al Hasan Highlights Distinctive Nature of World Cup and Asia Cup 

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan | Source: Twitter 

Bangladesh’s recently appointed ODI captain, Shakib Al Hasan, pointed out that his team is not regarding the Asia Cup as a rehearsal for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be played in India later in October. 

Bangladesh's performance in ODIs has been a roller-coaster ride in the past year. During the 2022-23 season, they registered victories against India (2-1) and Ireland (2-0) at their home turf, but suffered a close 1-2 defeat against England. 

In the ongoing season, they clinched a 2-0 win against Ireland away from home, only to be handed a 2-1 defeat by the Afghanistan team on their home ground.  

Adding to the turmoil, their former captain Tamim Iqbal initially retired from cricket in July, only to reverse his decision, and later relinquished the ODI captaincy in August due to a back injury. 

Later, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was eventually appointed as the captain. Meanwhile, addressing the media for the first time alongside coach Chandika Hathurusingha, Shakib engaged in a detailed discussion about his team's approach for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup. 

Here’s what Shakib Al Hasan told the media: 

“You cannot think of the World Cup with the Asia Cup because they are two different tournaments. Yes, if we can do well and develop as a good team in the Asia Cup, in that case we have some good chance to do well in the World Cup and from that point of view the Asia Cup is important.”

Pointing out the difference between the ICC event and Asia Cup, Shakib added:

“But it is not like if we do badly in the Asia Cup will imply that there is no chance for us in the World Cup nor if we do great will suggest that our chances in the World Cup will increase substantially.” 

The Bangladesh all-rounder also emphasised that the current priority for the Bangladesh team lies solely on the Asia Cup, with their attention set to shift to the World Cup after its conclusion.

“Now the whole plan is based on the Asia Cup and the preparation and team is prepared accordingly. When we finish the Asia Cup, the World Cup will come and we will think about it at that point of time. Now we are thinking only about the Asia Cup and more precisely we are only thinking about the Afghanistan, Sri Lanka game.”

Bangladesh, who are yet to win Asia Cup title will kick start its tournament campaign against Sri Lanka on August 31 at Pallekele Stadium, Sri Lanka. 

---

ALSO READ

[WATCH] MS Dhoni's Humble Gesture as Awestruck Fan Touches His Feet

---