Bangladesh cricket team captain Najmul Hossain recently revealed insights into a personal conversation with seasoned opener Tamim Iqbal, regarding Tamim’s future in international cricket. The discussion took place on April 15 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, stirring speculation about a possible comeback for Tamim in the international arena. Despite having retired from T20 internationals, Tamim remains a key figure for consideration in the other two formats of the game.
Explaining his meeting, Najmul highlighted the informal yet crucial nature of their talk. “We just chatted and spoke about cricket. Where he [Tamim] is at present and what we [team management] and me as a captain think. It is difficult to say clearly at the moment because it’s a matter of time, and he asked for some time to think about it. Let the DPL (Dhaka Premier League) end, and I have to think about it as well,” Najmul conveyed during a private program.
Najmul expressed a potent mix of hope and realism concerning Tamim’s return. “Though he retired from T20, naturally I would be happy if he is fit and returns to any format. What I feel is not only my personal wish but it reflects the sentiments of all the people of the country as well as the cricketers. This is our desire, but most importantly, he needs to have the desire to come back; then the process will start,” Najmul added, shedding light on their discussions which briefly touched upon what he desires and demands as a captain.
In addition to discussing Tamim’s future, Najmul shared his thoughts on the general expectations from the national team, especially in light of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. He emphasized keeping a low-profile approach to setting expectations. “Every year, before the World Cup, there’s a lot of talk about our goals and what we aim to achieve. I request you not to keep high expectations. Let’s keep our dreams in our hearts. We know how far we want to take the team, and everyone wants to do something big. However, excessive noise and hype are unhelpful, and frankly, we don’t need it. Results will show themselves in due time,” he stated.
Highlighting the team’s commitment, Najmul said, “All I can say is that those who will be playing in the team will give 120 percent, and I can guarantee that. We will go for a win. Every year when we play, we play with a lot of hope, but there’s no need to have all those hopes from the very early stage.”
Distancing from cricket, Najmul also touched on criticism faced by paceman Mustafizur Rahman, who has been under scrutiny for prioritizing his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over national duties. Mustafizur had a stellar start at his new IPL team, Chennai Super Kings, taking ten wickets in just five matches. However, Najmul defended Mustafizur by emphasizing his commitment when playing for Bangladesh.
“When Mustafizur plays for the national team, his commitment is much bigger because he’s also playing in a foreign league. People are quick to judge, but as someone who has captained him, I’ve seen him think about every ball and its impact on the team. There is no lack of commitment; he values every opportunity to represent Bangladesh,” Najmul concluded, dispelling doubts about Mustafizur’s dedication to the national team.
These discussions reflect the ongoing dynamism within the Bangladesh team, showcasing a blend of aspiration and practical challenges as they navigate the complexities of international cricket.