BCB president supports players following their defeat to the Netherlands.

Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hasan, on Sunday (October 29), affirmed their unwavering support for the cricketers during this challenging period amid their disappointing performances in the ongoing ICC World Cup.

The Bangladeshi cricketers have been under intense scrutiny, both on and off the field, following a string of five consecutive losses in the tournament, with the recent defeat to the Netherlands being a particularly heavy blow. Even the team’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, acknowledged that their campaign is one of the worst in recent memory.

Nazmul addressed reporters at the Taj Bengal compound after a meeting with the cricketers, stating, “People are passionate about cricket, which is why they may express criticism towards the board, coach, and players. This is normal, and I told them they must accept it because fans remember them whether they win or lose.”

“In good times, people celebrate with them, but during difficult times, they might criticize them. That’s their prerogative. Even if no one else stands with them, we stand with them,” he added. Nazmul noted that the team’s current struggles differ from the past when only a few players underperformed.

He mentioned that the players are actively seeking to identify the reasons behind their lackluster performances and assured that the board has provided them with ample support. He emphasized, “Two days ago, I sat down with everyone, including the coaching staff, for 5 to 10 minutes. I expressed my unwavering faith in their abilities and emphasized that past results are behind us. I have confidence that they will perform well in the upcoming matches. I didn’t delve into any other discussions with them.”

Referring to the recent loss against the Netherlands, Nazmul admitted that it was a completely unexpected outcome. He disclosed that he had individual conversations with several players, including Mushfiq and Riyad, Litton Das, Shakib, and Miraz. The players conveyed that they didn’t identify any specific deficiencies, but the main issue was their inability to score runs, which has been perplexing for them. The defeat has left not only the entire nation but also the players themselves deeply hurt.

Nazmul stated that their focus now is to boost the players’ confidence, as he believes it is their primary need to turn the tables in the remaining three games against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Additionally, Bangladesh has an incentive, as the top seven ranked teams after the World Cup will automatically qualify for the next ICC Champions Trophy, along with the host nation, Pakistan.

Recognizing the mental challenges the players are facing, Nazmul expressed that they have limited options for changes during the World Cup. Therefore, the key approach is to instill confidence and self-belief in the team to dispel any doubts and improve their performance. He reassured, “We can’t promise significant victories in the next three matches. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about playing better cricket. Whatever support they require, we’re ready to provide it, but their main concern is their on-field performance.”