New Delhi: Shakib Al Hasan lends a helping hand to his juniors in the Bangladesh cricket team, says their spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed. The former skipper has been included in Bangladesh’s squad for their two-Test series against Pakistan.
Shakib was a former MP under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. But after the dissolvement of the Hasina government, the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has cleared the all-rounder to be part of the team.
When Hasina was in power, Shakib took all major decisions and was the skipper of the team at the 2023 ODI World Cup. He had a spat with Tamim Iqbal, blasting the experienced opener for caring for personal gains rather than the team’s needs.
Iqbal was later not included in the ODI World Cup squad due to fitness concerns. Shakib has been involved in several controversies in recent times, often getting involved in spats with fellow players and umpires.
Mushtaq though said Shakib along with veteran squad members Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed had a positive influence in the team.
“Shakib and even Mushfiq and Taskin they are all supportive of the youngsters in the team specially those touring Pakistan for the first time,” he said at a media conference in Lahore on Thursday.
The former leg spinner said the Bangladeshi players were keen to learn and imbibe knowledge from coaches like him.
“By this I mean the players are enthusiastic to improve and listen to you and learn about tactics and strategies. I hope I can make a positive impact for them,” the 1992 ODI World Cup winner with Pakistan said.
He added that Pakistan would make a mistake if they take the current Bangladesh side lightly.
“They have some good quality players and they now have some good pace bowlers as well and I think they are on the right path. They just need to have self belief they can do better overseas,” Mushtaq said.
Shakib Al Hasan has been included in Bangladesh’s squad for their two-Test series against Pakistan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
