With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, Bangladesh’s campaign has been overshadowed by off-field turmoil after concerns were raised over security arrangements in India. The situation intensified when Bangladesh Cricket Board officials sought a change of venue for the team’s matches, adding to the growing unease within the squad.
Shanto said such disruptions are not new for Bangladesh during global tournaments and often come at the worst possible time. Reflecting on his experiences across multiple World Cups, he noted that controversies before major events tend to impact preparation and focus, even if players outwardly claim otherwise. According to him, pretending that everything is normal does not make the pressure disappear, and coping with it is far from easy.
Despite the challenges, Shanto emphasised that the players are making a conscious effort to separate distractions from performance. He said the team’s responsibility is to remain focused on delivering their best on the field, regardless of where they play or the circumstances surrounding the event.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play four matches in India, with three fixtures in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. However, demands to shift matches to Sri Lanka emerged following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, a decision that further fueled uncertainty within the camp.
Beyond tournament concerns, Shanto also expressed deep disappointment over remarks made by a senior board official against former captain Tamim Iqbal. He described the comments as hurtful and unacceptable, stressing that senior cricketers who have served the nation deserve dignity and respect.
Shanto said the cricket board is meant to act as a guardian for players, not publicly criticise them. Drawing a comparison, he said corrections should be made privately, not in a manner that undermines a player’s stature.
Concluding his remarks, Shanto made it clear that while players remain committed to representing Bangladesh with pride, respect and stability off the field are just as crucial for success on it.
“Not Easy”: Najmul Hossain Shanto Admits World Cup Uncertainty Is Affe
New Delhi: Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has candidly admitted that the uncertainty surrounding his team’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India has begun to affect the players mentally, even as they try to project calm and professionalism.