Abu Dhabi T10: Shakib al Hasan Named Bangla Tigers Icon Player, Sreesanth Named Mentor

Bangla Tigers have named Shakib al Hasan as the skipper for the upcoming T10 Abu Dhabi competition which is scheduled for November 2022. The Bangladeshi skipper would be joined by Caribbean batter Elvin Lewis, New Zealand’s Colin Munro, Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir, and Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana who is known to be as Baby Malinga due to his similar bowling action.

The team, which came 3rd in last year’s tournament, have also appointed Aftab Ahmed as head coach, Richard Stonier as a trainer, Nazmul Abedin Fahim as Assistant Coach and Mentor, and retained Kunal Manek as Analyst. The team would be hoping to create some magic in this year’s edition as a lot of expectations would be on Shakib al Hasan to lead from the front and also create a positive environment in the dressing room.

Bangla Tigers owner pumped up to have Shakib

Franchisee Owner Mohammad Yasin Chowdhury said “It is befitting that Shakib plays for the Bangla Tigers. He is a fantastic Ambassador for Bangladesh cricket. From day one we have been keen to include him in the squad but due to the busy schedule of the national team, we were unable to secure him till this season. He is a dynamic, experienced, dedicated, passionate, and motivated player as well as an inspirational captain, who will no doubt lead the squad from the front.”

“The focus this year is teamwork because pure talent might help us win games but teamwork and intelligence combined wins championships. From the conscious player choices being made to the experience of the coaching team, we feel confident of being a strong contender for the trophy. To get quality emerging players, we have even organized a local talent hunt campaign to further enhance the team. With Shakib at the helm, the future is looking bright.

“As a bowler, Shakib is accurate, consistent, and canny; and his aggression and wide range of strokes are some of his many batting attributes. More importantly, he has self-belief and excellent temperament, unflustered by the big occasion and prepared to lock horns sportingly against all teams.”

“His inclusion in the team this year reinforces the significance of the Abu Dhabi T10 and its popularity with players of the highest calibre. More international players are joining this tournament, which only adds to the excitement and provides a great opportunity for local players to watch and learn. Thanks to him, the team has never been better prepared to lift the trophy,” concluded Chowdhury.

Shakib ready for another challenge

Bangladesh Cricket Board recently made him the skipper of the T20I format even when his behaviour is not right. The elegant batter would be hoping that his game is not affected due to his short temper nature. The flamboyant all-rounder has got all the skills in the world to be dangerous and destructive. The Bangla Tigers would be hoping that they win the Championship and as their owner mentioned they need to focus on teamwork.

Sreesanth gets a chance to revive his career

Sreesanth would be joining the team as a mentor. The pacer who is famous for his spot-fixing scandal is slowly entering the coaching arena. It’s a kind of new beginning to his career and he would want to make the most of this opportunity.

He knows that people still hate him as he damaged the game of gentlemen, but every individual deserves a second chance irrespective of the mistake. It would be interesting to see what role he plays as being a mentor is not an easy job as he will have to be vigilant.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: If Someone Thinks That I Can Change Things Within 1 Or 2 Days, Then We Are Living In A Fool’s Kingdom – Shakib Al Hasan