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Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan on August 26 made it clear that he is not looking too far ahead and wants to focus on Asia Cup 2023 rather than treating it as preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023.
Shakib was made captain after veteran opener Tamim Iqbal stepped down from the position. Ahead of the Asia Cup, Iqbal talked to the media along with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. Both the captain and the coach were in sync about making sure that they reach the Super Fours stage of Asia Cup first.
"You cannot think of World Cup with the Asia Cup because they are two different tournaments. Yes if we can do well and develop as a good team in Asia Cup, in that case we have some good chance to do well in the World Cup and from that point of view Asia Cup is important. But it is not like if we do badly in Asia Cup will imply that there is no chance for us in the World Cup nor if we do great will suggest that our chances in World Cup will increase to substantially," Shakib told the reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
"Now the whole plan is based on Asia Cup and the preparation and team is prepared accordingly. When we finish the Asia Cup at that point World Cup will come and we will think about it at that point of time. Now we are thinking only about Asia Cup and more precisely we are only thinking about Afghanistan, Sri Lanka game," he said.
For the first time after becoming the captain, Shakib addressed his teammates on August 24 ahead of the main event. He does not feel that he needs to make any adjustments before taking over as captain.
"Most of them played under me or I have played under them and played together. The one or two new cricketers who were included I think had good knowledge about me, and me along with the coaching staff have a good understanding about them. I don't think there is something like need for adjustments because everyone knows what their duty is. Because we have a cricket culture or trying to develop one so everyone knows what to do for the dressing room," the all-rounder said.
However, Shakib expressed his disappointment over losing fast bowler Ebadot Hossain’s services due to a knee injury.
"It is very sad that Ebadot is not with us because he was an important part of our team and taking that into consideration it is quite disappointing. Still I feel we have squad that can go a long way," said the 36-year-old.
Bangladesh will play their first group stage match against co-hosts Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on August 31. Then they will travel to Pakistan to play Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
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