Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim is upset with the comments relating to his side as an average one or rather a below par one. Calling this criticism as unfair, Rahim explained if they (Bangladesh) don’t get opportunities to play outside their home conditions then they don’t deserve to be tagged as minnows.
Claiming that nothing can improve if they will get a chance to tour a foreign country once in two years, and not on regular basis. Rahim said he has been playing international cricket for 11 years for now and is unhappy with the attitude of top Test playing nations of not inviting them to the first place.
The Tigers have been involved in some red-ball action lately, first hosting England for two Tests before heading to New Zealand for as many matches in the white jersey. They are now in India for the one-off Test match, which starts in Hyderabad on Thursday.
“I have been playing for 11 years and I have never had so much cricket, Test cricket, in one year (referring to year ahead). We went out of Bangladesh to play Test cricket after almost two years. That s not acceptable. If you don t give us an opportunity but keep saying that we are no good, that can t be fair.”
As compared to his other competitors, Bangladesh hardly plays any Test matches in a single calendar year and the number doesn’t seem to impress the wicket-keeper batsman. He added, ‘How do you find out if we have improved or not? I think that if we do well this year, if we make the most of this opportunity and get good results, then we will get more tours. Test cricket provides you the best learning curve. And we will improve if we play more and more.’
Given the number of fans come out to support their country on every occasion, it clearly indicates the volume of passion they possess, and Rahim wants craze to go on. He summarised by saying, ‘ That’s why we need to play more. The more you play and perform well, you know how to channelize the emotions like the Indian team knows as they are winning and are No 1 side in the world.’