As Bangladesh cricket enters a transitional phase following the retirements of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim has expressed confidence in the emerging talent, stating that the country has a pool of capable players ready to step up when the senior players move on.
“When the time comes, the older players will have to leave. But recently, we’ve seen new players who are capable of playing in the national team,” Fahim said after the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association’s (BSJA) Iftar at the National Handball Stadium.
“Even in the media, there have been many discussions about why certain players aren’t in the team. We see a lot of debates on this topic. This means we already have alternatives for those who will eventually leave,” he added.
However, Fahim acknowledged the challenges of international cricket, emphasizing that early judgment on newcomers can be misleading.
“It’s hard to predict how they will perform in international cricket. But from what we’ve seen so far, it seems like they have the potential. It might take some time, but I believe the new generation coming up has enough talent. They will get opportunities based on their merit,” he said.
With the national team undergoing a shift, discussions have intensified regarding the right time to integrate fresh faces. Fahim highlighted the importance of making calculated decisions and providing young players with the belief that they belong at the highest level.
“I think it is crucial that we take the right steps at the right time and give the newcomers opportunities. We need to instill confidence in them and show that they are capable,” he stated.
“If we all assume they aren’t good enough, that they are worse than those leaving, and that they have no potential to become top players, then I don’t think new players will emerge. We have to trust them and ourselves. I believe they will perform very well,” he added.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
