Ashraful eyeing comeback ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup
There have been a lot of speculations recently surrounding the expiration of Mohammad Ashraful’s five-year international suspension. Although Ashraful is hopeful of making an international return, his coach Wahidul Gani and the BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin have spoken otherwise, in recent times. Both of them have indicated that the batsman’s future will depend on his performance in the coming days rather than his performance in the domestic circuit in last two years.
Regarding Ashraful’s selection, Abedin said: “Currently, I would say, there is no place in the team right now.
“He (Ashraful) hasn’t played at the international level for a long time. So he has to play in all formats in domestic cricket. We have to see if he his fitness is appropriate for [playing at] the international level.
“Let him play all the formats once his ban ends, then after a year, we can understand what his level fitness is, which format we will consider him for. We will think about it after the domestic season next year.”
“There are players who have proven themselves at his batting position. He has to perform exceptionally well in order to return [to the national side],” he added.
Ashraful, on the other hand, believes it is possible for him to earn a place in the national team ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year. According to him, senior players like Tamim, Shakib, Mushfiq, and Mahmudullah are the ones performing consistently for the Tigers. He thinks that he has the ability and experience to make a comeback to the national side.
“There are 11 more months [before the World Cup]. Our domestic cricket season starts from October. If I play well in first-class cricket and in the BPL in January, then why not?”
“The kind of aggressive cricket the Bangladesh team plays nowadays, I have played it since the start of my career. I have never been excessively defensive while batting. If I played positive cricket 18 years ago, I will not have any problem now. I believe, I can cement my place in the team, if I am given the opportunity.”
“The Bangladesh team is playing very well, but who are performing well consistently? Five senior players. The juniors are also good players, but I think I have the ability to earn a spot in the team with experience.”
