BCB stands beside cricketers amid tough times

The shocking loss against the Netherlands has stunned everyone related to Bangladesh cricket.

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan said the board is standing beside the team during this tough time and will give whatever support they need to overcome the grim situation.

The shocking loss against the Netherlands has stunned everyone related to Bangladesh cricket.

The players are going through a demoralizing spell as there were lots of hype and expectations around this World Cup that Bangladesh will perform well in India.

But the reality is they succumbed to five losses in a row; the most painful being the humiliating defeat against the Dutch in front of thousands of Bangladesh fans who traveled to India to support their beloved team.

BCB boss Nazmul said he motivated the team before the Netherlands game and after the loss sat with each player to know their requirements and how they can overcome this gloomy situation.

“I had only one reason for coming here. I felt after four consecutive losses – even though the opponents were strong – whether there was any way I can motivate them. I thought they were a bit down mentally. Day before yesterday I sat for five-10 minutes with the entire team including the coaching staff. I told them that I have belief in them,” said the BCB chief.

“Unfortunately, our top four-five batters are not among the runs, which I have never seen before in any Bangladesh team. In fact I have not seen it (continuous top-order debacle) in any of the teams here. It is totally unexpected.

“Yesterday’s match (against the Netherlands), it was totally unforeseen. Let alone seeing this coming or accepting it, we didn’t even envisage that it (losing streak) could go on for this long. But it did! That’s why I decided today I would sit with the cricketers separately. I have already talked with a few. I wanted to know if they are facing any problems, whether there are any lackings, if they want anything, whether there is anything missing that we could provide. I wanted to know all this.

“I sat with Shakib (al Hasan), and separately with everyone. Mushfiqur (Rahim) and Mahmudullah, they were together. (Mehedi Hasan) Miraz, Liton Das, I sat with them as well. We talked openly. All of them had one thing to say, there is no problem. They are not scoring runs, this is the problem. At this level, if the top four-five do not get runs, you can't do well. Even they do not know why they are unable to score runs.”

BCB supremo said the whole team are frustrated with the way they have performed and upset thinking about the fans as well.

“The people of our country love cricket so much, they are so passionate for the game…the players are feeling bad thinking how hurt our fans are right now. Because they have been superstars for a long time, not for one or two days, they have had long careers. The fact that they are not scoring runs, they are finding it tough to accept it. I said this to them, people will criticize now, of course they would, there is no reason not to. Since people love the game so much, they will criticize after such a performance or defeat. Fans will talk about the board, coaching staff, players. It is natural,” said Nazmul.  

“I told them one thing, during bad times supporters will criticize. Because during the good times they dance in ecstasy. So why will they not talk during the bad times? This is their right. But during this bad time even if there is no one with support, we are beside the players. Why…so that they play well in future.”

The Tigers will play against Pakistan at Eden Gardens Tuesday and it is expected that thousands of Bangladesh fans will be present in the galleries after travelling to India to support the team.