Former national skipper Khaled Mashud has hailed the improvements made by the Tigers in the recent past and suggested that Bangladesh should just enjoy the moment, stay relaxed and play their natural game in the crunch 2017 Champions Trophy semi-final against India at Edgbaston on Thursday.
“It is a great time for me as a former cricketer. It is a great time for Bangladesh cricket as well. It was a 10-team tournament when Bangladesh last played in the Champions Trophy, in 2006, but this time around we had to qualify," Mashud told Dhaka Tribune.
"We went into the tournament as one of the top eight teams in the world. And now we are in the top four. The way the international media and the opponent teams are talking about our success, it feels amazing. This achievement cannot be compared with anything from the past,” he said.
Mashud advised his successors not to worry at all when they come up against the defending champion.
“Lots of thoughts will enter their minds going into a match like this. There will be immense pressure and tension. I would suggest them to play carefree cricket and stick to their roles. The team should just enjoy the game,” he added.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
