The recent developments between Bangladesh and India are not really helping the players as the Bangladeshi captain opened up about the incident and pointed out that it is quite draining. Nazmul Hossain Shanto went in a different direction from the BCB and emphasised players' mental health. BCB asked ICC to change their venue from India citing security reasons after that ICC rejected their request and asked them to play in India or forfeit the points. Following the developments, a huge uncertainty about Bangladesh's participation in the World Cup triggered the insecurities of players.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto expressed disgust
Talking to the reporters Nazmul Hossain Shanto expressed the conditions of players and said as quoted by cricbuzz, "First of all, if you look at our World Cup results, we've never really played consistently good cricket. Last year, we did play well, but there were even better opportunities, and we couldn't capitalise on them. But you'll see that something always happens before every World Cup. I can say this from my experience of three World Cups - it does have an effect.”
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He also added, “ Now, we act as if nothing affects us, that we are fully professional cricketers. You guys also understand that we are acting - it's not easy,"
He backed his players and said "I feel that players still try to keep those distractions aside and perform for the team. Of course, it would be better if these things didn't happen, but this is partly beyond our control.”
Nazmul backed Tamim Iqbal
Najmul said he was deeply hurt by a social media comment from BCB director M Najmul Islam targeting former captain Tamim Iqbal. He called the remark disrespectful, unacceptable, and harmful to cricket, after Tamim was labelled an “Indian agent” for urging the board to prioritise cricket over politics in decisions.
"Very sad, very sad because such comments were made about a cricketer - a former captain, and in my opinion one of Bangladesh's most successful cricketers whom we grew up watching,” the test captain said on the matter.
"Parents should correct you at home, not in front of everyone. So such a comment from someone who is supposed to be our guardian is very difficult to accept. I completely reject it as a player," he added.
He also asked to give respect to the players and said, “As players, we expect respect - whether someone is a former captain, a regular player, successful or not. At the end of the day, a cricketer hopes for respect.”
Bangladesh was scheduled to play their group matches in Kolkata against the West Indies, Italy, England and one in Mumbai against Nepal.
