Bangladesh new ODI skipper Shakib Al Hasan emphasized that the team is focused on the immediate task at hand, which is the Asia Cup, and that they are not considering it as direct preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup. This approach is likely aimed at maintaining a concentrated and step-by-step strategy to ensure the team's best performance in each tournament.
Shakib, who replaced Tamim Iqbal as ODI leader after the latter stepped down from the position recently, faced the media for the first time along with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and both of them insisted at this moment they are only thinking of reaching the Super Fours of Asia Cup.
“You cannot think of World Cup with the Asia Cup because they are two different tournaments. Yes if we can do well and develop as a good team in Asia Cup, in that case, we have some good chance to do well in the World Cup and from that point of view, Asia Cup is important. But it is not like if we do badly in Asia Cup will imply that there is no chance for us in the World Cup nor if we do great will suggest that our chances in World Cup will increase to substantially,” Shakib told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.
“Now the whole plan is based on Asia Cup and the preparation and team is prepared accordingly. When we finish the Asia Cup at that point World Cup will come and we will think about it at that point of time. Now we are thinking only about Asia Cup and more precisely we are only thinking about Afghanistan, Sri Lanka game,” he said.
He also mentioned that he doesn’t feel the need to make significant adjustments in his approach now that he's taken on the role of ODI skipper. This could indicate that he is confident in his leadership abilities and that he intends to continue building upon the team's existing strategies and dynamics rather than making drastic changes.
Shakib’s positive outlook on the team’s preparation and his comfort with his new role as captain are promising signs for the team's upcoming participation in the Asia Cup. It suggests a sense of continuity and a desire to maintain a stable and effective team environment.
“Most of them played under me or I have played under them and played together. The one or two new cricketers who were included I think had good knowledge about me, and me along with the coaching staff have a good understanding about them. I don't think there is something like need for adjustments because everyone knows what their duty is. Because we have a cricket culture or trying to develop one so everyone knows what to do for the dressing room,” he said.
