2024-02-17 00:41:46
Nazmul Hossain asked Shakib Al Hasan about Shanto in a program’s rapid fire and said in one word, ‘Leader.’ World-class cricketers like Shakib should be impressed by Shant’s leadership qualities. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chose this Shant after Shakib left the leadership in three editions.
Former cricketer and manager of Sylhet Strikers Nafis Iqbal called Shanto as a great leader like Shakib. But just four months before the T20 World Cup is not the right time for Shant to take the lead. He made such comments to the media in Chittagong on Friday (February 16).
‘If any captain gets a satellite team it will be easier to plan. I don’t think four months is the right time. He should be supported without putting any pressure on him. Four months is not much time for peace. He got to support him.’
“He’s shown he’s a great leader, but he’s also worked in this team before. Bangladesh Cricket Board gave him because he saw (leadership qualities). But the upcoming World Cup is challenging. I am not going to make excuses but he will bring out the quality that is in him’- added Nafees.
Shanta was assigned three editions in one year. Shantar’s mission will officially begin from the Sri Lanka series. However, he has experience leading three editions before this. Apart from the country’s first Test win against New Zealand under him, Bangladesh also won the first ODI and T20I on Kiwi soil.
How to be calm as a captain? Nafis highlighted his experience in such a question, ‘I have seen Shant long ago. He and I played cricket together. Kalabagan junior team. Great potential and I have worked with him many times in BPL as well.’
At the end, Nafis also said, ‘As the captain, I worked with him in the last series in New Zealand. A very calm, steady person as I said it. I have enjoyed working with him, he has shown that he has leadership qualities.’