Shakib will be missed :Russell
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|| CF Correspondent ||
Rajshahi Royal skipper Andre Russell said on Monday that Shakib al Hasan will be missed in the upcoming edition of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League.
Russell had a close relation with Shakib as far as playing in the BPL is concerned because he on most occasions played in or under Shakib in the BPL.
Shakib is absent from BPL as he serving a two-year ban with a one-year suspension from the ICC for failing to report corrupt charges.
‘’The whole BPL will miss Shakib. He is a very good player. Smart bowler and a good hitter of the ball and he had a fantastic World Cup recently,’’ Russell told reporters on Monday.
‘’He is still a young guy. I experienced one year ban as well, so it is a matter of coming back strongly, and focusing on the right thing,’’ he said.
Russell said that he is honored to lead the Royals in the upcoming BPL.
“I am honored to be given the responsibility of leading the team. Regardless, I always look at myself as a player in the heat. I have a very big role in any team I play for. It is going to be something new for me outside the Caribbean. I have led Jamaica Tallawahs before. It will be interesting and I am up for a challenge,’’ said Russell.
“I won’t say we have the best squad but we have a good team on paper. It is a good start for any captain, coach and any team. We want to use the experience of each player, which will put us in the right foot. We have Shoaib Malik, myself, Ravi Bopara and Zazai and Das at the top. We have a few good local talents. I have been watching videos, seeing what they can do. We have a balanced squad including local and international fast bowlers. We have good options,’’ he said adding that he came to BPL leaving behind BBL as for him Bangladesh is like a home away from home.
“The tournament is more fun. It is shorter. So less time away from home. I get a lot of love here. The hospitality and everything is amazing. You get a warm welcome on this side of the world. I never really think twice. Once I heard this was happening, new rules, new teams, new owners, new franchise. I was interested to be part of it. I wanted to get the ball rolling.
