The way Tamim and Shakib batted, I wonder how they made 5000 runs: Raqibul Hasan

Ever since making their international debut, Bangladesh has shown glimpses of the talent in part while mainly being unable to maintain consistency, which has created a sense of disinterest among fans.

Raqibul Hasan, who was the nation's first-ever One-Day International captain, believes that it is the players' responsibility to keep Test cricket up and running.

According to The Daily Star, Hasan said, "People worship beauty, and that applies to cricket as well. But, unfortunately, our demonstration of cricket is very ugly. Why would I go to the field to watch an ugly display of cricket? When you play well, win games regularly, and fight in tough situations, only then will there be spectators.

"I know we have a lot of limitations in terms of first-class infrastructure, and it's especially frustrating that we are yet to form regional cricket associations. But you have to keep in mind that players are the main stakeholders of the game, and they have to take the responsibility to make Test cricket beautiful. Only players can make Tests or longer-version cricket beautiful,"

Hasan led Bangladesh in their first-ever ODI in 1986 against Pakistan. However, the veteran also raised eyebrows at a few of the senior players.

"The way Tamim [Iqbal] and Shakib [Al Hasan] played some of the shots that got them out. Sometimes I wonder how they have scored 5,000 runs."

"Not many are interested in Test cricket in our country, but in other countries, they have many fans. Why? Because if I go to watch our games, I know the result already. Bangladesh will lose anyway. So why should I go and watch that game?"

Regarded as one of the best Bangladeshi batters of his era, Hasan spoke about why after making their Test debut in 2000, the side still lacks in making huge strides ahead.

"I am unable to understand what those who talk about cricket culture actually mean. If they are trying to say that it's due to a lack of participation in Tests and that's why they are unable to perform well, that's different. But the way people are talking about the absence of spectators in the longer version leading to this scenario, I disagree. Our players do not have the skills, temperament or patience to ensure the presence of the crowd," he explained. "I think it was better not to drag this issue after 20 years," he adds.

The 69-year-old also provided a solution that could help administrators find skilled long-format players in the future.

"Back in our days, when we started to play regularly after Independence, all of our games were longer versions. If you talk about the culture of longer-version cricket, I will say that there is a huge gap here, and it's not the way it once was; that's the first thing.

"Then you have to make it competitive. You can't play just for the sake of playing. We've been hearing for many years about 'regional cricket associations. They sat for meetings, but the outcome is unknown. To make these tournaments competitive, you have to rely on them [regional bodies]. But unfortunately, the reality is different. Teams are organised centrally from Dhaka, and there is a practice of nepotism."

"We can make longer-version cricket with top Premier Division Cricket League teams because top players play there. We must think 'outside the box. We don't have time for cliched traditional words," he concluded.