Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah could have been picked for T20WC: Tamim

After a disappointing result at the Asia Cup in the Middle East, Bangladesh made a few eye-catching changes to their setup for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Two of the veterans of Bangladesh cricket – Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah – were dropped for the global event, causing a ton of reactions, including cryptic tweets. 

Bangladesh’s ODI skipper, Tamim Iqbal was of the opinion that the experience of the duo could have been invaluable in Australian conditions. He further highlighted that there was no harm in the management carrying the two players Down Under. 

"I told you earlier if Mushfiqur (Rahim), Riyad (Mahmudullah) were there in this big stage like the World Cup, then I think it would have been better. Since you carried such senior cricketers for the whole year, then why (exclude) them just before the World Cup," Tamim told reporters at a private programme in a city hotel, reported Cricbuzz.

Afif Hossain, the left-hander has been hailed as one of the serious talents from the country. Whilst he had a good Asia Cup, his form including scoring an unbeaten 77 against U.A.E has lifted his stock. Tamim backed the youngsters, stating that they will come good. 

"At the same time, I will say that who are replacing them like Yasir Rabbi, is one whom I rate very highly... Afif is playing extremely well. The only request I can make, because that is the only thing I can do, and that is, we may have different opinions on who may or may not be in the side, but no one forces their way into the side and we should not write off someone before they even play a game.

Bangladesh have also made notable changes at the top of the order, with Mehidy Hasan and Sabbir Rahman promoted at the top. Whilst Tamim was still unclear of the reasoning behind the move, he compared the situation to Rohit Sharma, stating that these two could follow a similar trajectory. 

"I feel someone who opens should come out opening, but if there is any definite plan about it I cannot say that it is wrong. Rohit Sharma, one of the greatest openers in the history of the game, used to bat at five or six. Someone must have planned for him and he opened and now he has around 25 centuries to his name. So I cannot say that he won't be able to make it, neither Miraj nor Sabbir, and we need to give them time,” he added.

"I am sure there is a reason behind it or else why are they doing it? If it does not click, they should have other plans and I am sure they have it. If someone is not performing in one or two games, instead of getting over (criticising) him, we should support him, because all of us want to do well in the World Cup. If we can win two to three matches, it would be an achievement because Bangladesh have not won many matches in the World Cup. Let us all be positive and see what happens.

Bangladesh are pitted alongside India, Pakistan and South Africa in Group 2 of the T20 World Cup Down Under.