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'I Apologise': Najmul Shanto Issues Apology To Nation After BAN Gets Knocked Out By AFG

Bangladesh skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto (AP)Bangladesh skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto (AP)

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has issued a heartfelt apology to his country's fans for their disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024. Afghanistan ended their campaign by just six runs on 25 June at St. Vincent. Shanto also blamed his batting unit for the disappointing run and this elimination.

The AFG vs BAN game was marred by rain as a result of which a target of 114 had to be chased in 19 overs. The consistent tumbling of wickets despite Litton Das' half century, did not help Bangladesh's chances at winning the game. 

As Rashid Khan and co celebrated their victory, the heartbroken skipper, who failed to fire his bat in the do-or-die clash, addressed his nation in despair and said:

"First of all, I would like to say that as a team, we let down all the fans of Bangladesh who follow us and support us. So, I apologise on behalf of the team. As a batting group, we couldn't give the best to the people of the country. We feel sorry for that. We will try to come out of this situation in the future."

While highlighting the positives from their campaign Shanto shed some light and expressed:

"The positive side is that the bowlers have bowled very well. Rishad (Hossain) has bowled very well in almost all matches in a big tournament like this. There were a lot of positives, but as a batting unit, we let down the fans and the people of our country.

"We gave them a hard time. But there was no lacking in our efforts. Everyone tried their best. Everyone was honest in their place. But at the end of the day, we couldn't make it. So, on behalf of the team, I apologise," he reiterated.

Shanto admitted that they had control of the proceedings against Afghanistan at one stage and should have won. He further added:

"As a whole bowling unit doing a great job especially, I mentioned Rishad whole tournament he bowled really well, Tanzim Sakib bowled well. I felt all the bowlers did a great job that is we can take forward and as a fielding group I think we felt really well in all the matches, so there are some lot of positive things that we can take going forward."


"It's a matter of a lot of frustration and a lot of pain too. Because before coming to play this match, everyone's plan was that we would win the match first. But if such a situation arises, then we will definitely take the chance that we had. But we couldn't take it. And the whole batting line-up made very bad decisions."

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will meet South Africa for the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 27 at the Brian Lara Stadium.