Anamul emphasized the team's resolve to stay focused on cricket despite the challenging circumstances
Bangladesh ‘A’ team captain Anamul Haque Bijoy has pledged to bring moments of joy to the nation through cricket.
Despite the ongoing unrest that has gripped the country, Anamul and his team remain committed to their sport, determined to lift the spirits of their fellow citizens.
Speaking at a media conference before the first four-day match against Pakistan, Shaheens, the Bangladesh ‘A’ skipper, emphasized the team's resolve to stay focused on cricket despite the challenging circumstances.
"We understand this is not the situation we want in Bangladesh, but all professional players play for their country; we play for our country, so we are trying our best, even though the atmosphere is not up to the mark; if we play here, we can make them happy, or something like that. So, we’re trying our best to focus on our cricket, to forget everything else, and play as professional players," Haque said.
The wicket-keeper batter expressed excitement about facing the Pakistan Shaheens in their home territory, acknowledging the strength of their opponents, particularly their fast bowling lineup.
“We have been very excited about facing the Pakistan Shaheens side in their backyard. The Shaheens squad looks strong, especially the fast bowling department. With the highly experienced players on either side, the first four-dayer will be highly competitive," he said.
“This series is also crucial for the Bangladesh players looking to prepare for the upcoming Test series and youngsters who aim to stake a claim in the senior side,” he added.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been marked by major anti-government protests, leading to multiple fatalities and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has sought refuge in India.
Due to the political situation, Bangladesh's cricket team will arrive in Pakistan earlier than planned for their ICC World Test Championship matches.
Originally set to arrive on August 17, they will now land on August 13 and train in Lahore before moving to Islamabad.
The PCB extended the invitation to help the team better prepare, and BCB Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury expressed gratitude for the extra training days.