Even a year ago, he was one of the most important names in the Tigers’ bowling lineup and spearheaded the spin department. But, things have changed drastically for the most experienced cricketer of the country, Abdur Razzak.
The 32-year old veteran cricketer suffered a heartache when he was overlooked in Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia-New Zealand.
Ever since the West Indies series in the Caribbean islands last year, Razzak’s performances came into question. Following a horrible outing in the West Indies, the left-arm spinner was under the scanner having conceded 76 runs for a solitary wicket from his quota of 10 overs. That proved to be the final straw for Razzak as he was axed for the bilateral series at home against Zimbabwe last month.
And following the announcement of his omission, Razzak, a 153-ODI campaigner, was visibly disappointed.
“Every cricketer dreams of playing the World Cup for his country, so do I. Obviously, I am a bit disappointed as I bowled well in the Dhaka [Premier Division Cricket] League and I thought of getting the opportunity. But, this is not in my hands as the selectors are there to decide and they have done what they thought better,” said Razzak.
Two other cricketers who will curse their luck are openers Imrul Kayes and Shamsur Rahman. With Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque virtually guaranteed a place in the playing XI, let alone the 15-man squad, all that was left to be decided was the selection of the backup opener.
In came seamer-allrounder Soumya Sarkar who has played just one ODI, against Zimbabwe last month.
While Shamsur had a terrific start to his career, Imrul was an integral part of the Tigers’ setup in the 2011 ICC World Cup, including a brilliant knock against England in Chittagong.
Like Razzak, Imrul also expressed his dejection after missing out on the final squad. “I was playing well recently which made me hopeful of getting into the World Cup squad. But, I was disappointed at not being selected,” said Imrul.
Imrul added that if he had played for Abahani or any other big club in the just-concluded DPL, he would have received more opportunities to prove his worth. Imrul featured for Kalabagan Krira Chakra, who were ousted before the Super League phase got underway.
Shamsur on the other hand had no complaints with the final squad and informed that if he was a selector, he would have picked the same 15. “According to me this is a very good squad and I would have done the same thing which the selectors did. I think this team will do well in the World Cup. I have no complaints and the selectors have done the right thing,” said Shamsur.
Last but not the least, Naeem Islam is perhaps the most unlucky of the quartet. The Mohammedan all-rounder had a stellar campaign in the DPL, smashing 634 runs – third-highest - from 16 matches at an average of 63.40, including eight half-centuries. While with the leather, the right-arm off-spinner scalped 20 wickets at 17.17.
Although Imrul, Shamsur and Naeem will have the opportunity to set the record straight in the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and Wales, Razzak can might as well kiss his World Cup hopes goodbye.
