Shakib Al Hasan, who previously represented his country in parliament during the last reign of power, is now free to join the national team for two consecutive Test matches against Pakistan. Shakib has never hesitated to back young players in the team despite his political leanings according to Bangladesh’s spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed.
Mushtaq Ahmed, who is closely collaborating with the team, proclaimed the positive influence of Shakib on younger players particularly those visiting Pakistan for their first time.
With others including Taskin and Mushfiqur Rahim among other senior players, Shakib has been influential in guiding and supporting younger teammates as part of this squad.
“Shakib and even Mushfiq and Taskin they are all supportive of the youngsters in the team specially those touring Pakistan for the first time,” PTI quoted Mushtaq saying in a presser addressed to news men.
The spin coach referred to the current Bangladesh team as having a “coachable” side, stressing that these players have an appetite for learning how tactics and strategies can be improved upon. He said ‘by this I mean players want to get better every day; they want you to tell them about strategy or tactics.’ And hopefully I will do something positive for them.”
While Shakib’s return has generated much interest due to his political career background; Mushtaq insists that senior players including Shakib himself must only play a supporting role towards younger teammates. Their experience or guidance is an invaluable resource for growth of this team.
Mushtaq also recognized qualities possessed by Bangladesh team pointing out talented cricketers within their ranks and emergence of new pacers.
“They have some good quality players and they now have some good pace bowlers as well and I think they are on right path. They just need to have self belief they can do better overseas,” he said.
