- Bangladesh needs to rethink their game approach
- Law calls for improved youth development and diet
- Bangladesh’s struggle: no World Cup knockout wins
To relinquish the label of perennial underachievers and make a lasting impression at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Stuart Law, the former coach of Bangladesh, believes that the South Asian team must “rethink” their approach to the game.
In 1999, the Bengal Tigers made their début in an ICC tournament at the 50-over World Cup, shocking the favored Pakistani team with a 62-run victory in the group stage.
Nevertheless, 25 years later, they have yet to secure a victory in the knockout stages of a World Cup.
Law told that Bangladesh has not progressed in the past 25 years in anticipation of the forthcoming T20 World Cup.
“The former Australian cricketer stated that their current approach has not been effective, and they must determine what is required to motivate them.”
Bangladesh opens its tournament campaign against Sri Lanka on June 7. Sri Lanka is another South Asian nation that has made significant progress since its début in 1975, winning both the T20 and 50-over world titles.
Law, who coached Bangladesh’s senior team from 2011 to 2012, thinks that the country’s manner of administering the game must be altered.
“Perhaps it is time to take a step back and consider the following: “This is the approach we have been taking, but it has not been effective, and we have not made any progress. Perhaps we should consider a slightly different approach.”
“That is not intended to disparage the current administration; however, they must evaluate all aspects of the game.”
What is the reason for Bangladesh’s struggles during World Cups?
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup squad’s veteran stars, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman, are significantly reliant on their experience.
Previously responsible for Bangladesh’s Under-19 team, Law asserts that the youthful players emerging from the system must be sufficiently built to satisfy the T20 format’s demands for power hitting.
“They are not power athletes; however, they are supple, which allows them to bowl fast and with spin, as we are all aware,” he clarified.
However, they will never be as powerful as the West Indians or the Australians, who have very different upbringings and diets.
“The world could witness an untouchable Bangladesh team if Bangladesh can master the young development phase, enrolling players between the ages of 12 and 16, and providing them with a nutritious diet and a solid foundation in physical fitness”.
Shanto and his team are recuperating from a series loss against a relatively inexperienced United States team in their three-match T20 series preceding the World Cup.
The tournament co-hosts secured a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening T20 match and a six-run victory in the second match.
Law, who participated in 55 one-day internationals and one Test for Australia, assumed responsibility for the United States team a few days before the series.
The “Lawman” was adamant that Bangladesh could ascend to the top of the rankings by providing the appropriate diet, training facilities, and opportunities to aspiring cricketers before assuming his new position.
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Law stated, “There is an abundance of talent in Bangladesh; the population is 171 million, and they are passionate about cricket.”
“The objective is to uncover and disregard their social background and upbringing.” If they possess aptitude, we should begin to capitalize on it.
In 2020, Bangladesh emerged victorious in the ICC Under-19 World Cup and has since maintained a competitive edge over regional rivals India and Pakistan at the Asian Games, earning six medals, including a gold.
Law believes that enhanced talent identification and coaching will enable the most talented individuals to ascend to the top. Subsequently, they can be integrated into the senior team to replace players such as Shakib, Mahmudullah, and Mustafiz after they retire.
The elder Bengal Tigers will have to fight through an increasingly competitive T20 World Cup until then.
