Bangladesh cricket team’s relentless hard work and improvement in all the three formats has caught up the attention of none other than former Sri Lankan legend and World Cup winner Arjuna Ranatunga.
Speaking in total awe of Bangladesh cricket team, he stated in a recent interview that the team has all the potential to win a World Cup in near future.
“I think Bangladesh have improved a lot. I told three years ago that the way Bangladesh are going, they will beat Sri Lanka in Tests. And that happened in the series. Their commitment is good. If they plan properly I think it could not be difficult to win the World Cup in the subcontinent. I always prefer that you should target semi-finals at first.”
He went back in time when he was a part of the club scene in Bangladesh. He revealed that he advised them to improve the grass root levels of cricket system in the country and is happy to see those thing materialise.
“I have played in Bangladesh for three seasons, in Mohammedan [Sporting Club Limited] in 1988-89. It felt good that they are doing well. I always told to improve school cricket when I played in Mohammedan. Concentrate on junior level otherwise, your cricket structure will not survive.
“Only thing they need to do is concentrate on the younger cricketers. They need to play a lot of “A” team cricket, they should do a lot of U-19 tours. I personally believe they are on the right track. But they need more commitment from the younger players.”
Ranatunga is famous for his fearless approach of captaincy during his time and played an important role in transforming the Sri Lanka team from minnows to world beaters after he led the side to a title win in 1996 World Cup in India.
The side, which he headed, was the full of youngsters which received his invaluable mentorship and later went on to dominate the cricketing scene.
“I think they have successfully implemented it so far. Some Sri Lankan coaches helped Bangladesh cricket in last decade. And the current coaches are doing well also. I think BCB is more focused than SLC at the moment.
He also advised them to chalk out plans for the future. He felt that the U-19 ad U-23 should be allowed to gain proper exposure and the selectors should not rush to take them to the highest level.
“They should plan for 2023. Maybe bring a top U-19 side. Maybe U-23 side. Allow them to play lots of cricket. Not mix them with the national side. Then after that, it’s all about commitment and luck,” said Ranatunga.