Shakib: Now we also talk like big players

Mehedi Hasan Miraz has already reached the West Indies to take part in his maiden Caribbean Premier League T20, for Trinbago Knight Riders. Another Bangladeshi, star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is still waiting for his passport to fly to the Caribbean and join his side Jamaica Tallawahs in his third CPL stint. Earlier, Tamim Iqbal took part in the CPL for St. Lucia Zouks. Miraz became the third Bangladeshi so far who will take part in the fifth edition of the CPL. According to Shakib, the Tigers' recent success in international cricket has changed the mindset of the other players around the world as they now treat the Bangladesh cricketers as world class and want to know the secret behind their success. Imrul Kayes, Nasir Hossain, Shakib and Tamim Iqbal share a light moment DHAKA TRIBUNE“I am sure if we had the opportunity to play the whole tournament then there would have been one or two players from Bangladesh who would have been picked for the CPL. There were even talks over a few of those for this season. But since we have international schedule, there are no fixed time for us so the other teams had to face difficulties to pick us as we had to return back if there is any series for us,” Shakib told the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. “Things have changed nowadays as I have different conversations. They want to know about our players and also how we have improved as a team. Now we also talk like a big player in a big team and think how to talk,” he said. The 30-year old has been the flag-bearer of Bangladesh cricket as he plays overseas leagues all across the globe. He informed that whenever he walks onto the ground, he still feels excited.

“Yes, it’s very enjoyable. Every tournament is a new experience, fun and excitement. I have been playing cricket for the last 10-15 years. Wherever I play, it’s enjoyable. I play because I enjoy myself,” he said.

According to the No 1 all-rounder in the world, the CPL has less number of foreign players in each side, which gives more opportunity to the cricketers, in comparison to the IPL. “In IPL there are 10 foreign players in every team. Competition for places is much harder there. Even if you do well in one match you might not feature in the next game due to team combination situations. At the CPL and PSL (Pakistan Super League), at least four players stay fixed in the squad. They don’t change the line-up unless it’s very necessary. I do not see much difference other than the one I stated. The environment and quality of cricket is good at every place,” he said. Shakib added that he enjoys playing CPL as the seriousness of the matches stay on the pitch where the players like to stay relaxed while the beautiful Caribbean also enables him to relish his time. Meanwhile, Shakib, who is just one match away from his 50th Test, has the opportunity to reach the milestone in the upcoming home series against Australia. When asked if it's too late for him to reach the milestone he said, “If I was speaking about it a few years ago, I would have been happy with even 30 Tests. So it’s okay if I think on the basis of that context,” he said. “Hopefully Australia will come and I will be fit and it could well be a good series for us,” Shakib added.