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Bangladesh’s 87-run loss to the Netherlands would
undoubtedly have far-reaching effects for all parties.
Bangladesh had three league stage games remaining
before they entered the World Cup with the intention of reaching the
semi-finals, but mathematical issues aside, they are eliminated. The players
stood in queue outside Eden Gardens for an hour following the defeat to the
Netherlands in order to board the team bus. In the middle of a throng of
spectators, they remained still, most of them staring down.
The following day, at about midday, BCB president
Nazmul Hassan and his directors came, shattering the silence at the team hotel.
It should be mentioned that in Bangladesh, it is typical for the board’s upper
management to become involved in team issues in such circumstances.
Following that, Hassan held one-on-one meetings with a
number of players, including captain Shakib Al Hasan, to inquire about the
outcomes and how the board could be of assistance. After the game, Hassan
remarked that nobody could figure out what went wrong and that everyone was
puzzled by the batting form loss.
“Yesterday’s result was unthinkable,” Hassan
said. “I spoke to a number of players individually today, to ask them what
they are lacking, whether we can do anything for them. I spoke to Shakib,
Litton [Das] and [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz individually, and Mushfiq [Mushfiqur
Rahim] and [Mahmudullah] Riyad together. I asked them to speak openly. They all
said that not getting runs is the problem. They don’t know why this is
happening. If your top five doesn’t score, you won’t do well.
“They told me that they are all united but they
are stunned by their own form. They said that they are also disappointed at
hurting their fans who are so passionate. They are the superstars of our
country. They have built a long career. They are not getting runs, which is not
acceptable to them too. There will be criticism of the players, coaches and
board. I personally believe they can play better cricket.”
“We can’t expect every player to do well in every
game. There’s one or two players who won’t score runs. It is quite a normal
thing in cricket. Unfortunately, we have our top four or five out of form. I
haven’t seen this before at this level. It is totally unexpected.
“We are not batting well. I told them to fight
back. They must tell us what they need, and suggest what should be done. They
have given me their word that they will sit together. They look serious to me
that they want to perform. They have to be courageous.”