The T20I and Test captain of Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan, has opined that the Nidahas trophy is important for the Tigers because it gives them the chance to stage a comeback after their devastating results at home against Sri Lanka.

When asked about the favourites for the tournament, he refused to name one since he believes that T20 is a short format that could be won by any team having a good day on the field.

‘I don’t think any side are favourites in the T20 format. Any side can beat any other side. It all depends on who plays better on the day [of the game]. It is not as though a side has to play well all throughout the 40 overs since the game changes in the space of a few overs or a few balls.’

‘This is why I don’t think that there are any favourites [in T20s]. 

Bangladesh recently lost against Sri Lanka in the tri-nation ODI, Test and T20I series to begin their year in a poor fashion. Shakib, meanwhile, believes that those losses make it all the more crucial for the Tigers to do well in Sri Lanka.

‘If we can play up to our abilities, then we also have a chance to do well. The tournament [Nidahas trophy] is very important for us since our recent results weren’t good [in Bangaldesh]. It is a chance for us to do well and if we make a comeback here, then we can have a good year ahead.’