Asia Cup 2022: Team director Khaled Mahmud sends a stern message to Bangladesh batters, asks them to show intent

Asia Cup 2022, BAN vs SL: Bangladesh lost their first match against Afghanistan by seven wickets and will now face Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon didn’t mince words in saying that seeing batters getting out after defending 15-20 balls is hurtful. The Tigers didn’t get off to the best of starts in Asia Cup 2022 after they lost to Mohammad Nabi’s Afghanistan by seven wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad and Afif Hossain Dhrubo got starts before perishing. Barring Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, who scored an unbeaten 31-ball 48, none of the other Bangladesh batters looked secure in the middle.

"I don't want to see them getting out after defending 15-20 balls. It is very hurtful. You can have 50 for 3 or 50 for 4, or 40 for no loss in the powerplay, but you can't take pressure from both sides," Mahmud was quoted as saying in a press conference.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s do-or-die match on Thursday, September 1, Mahmud mentioned that players can’t afford to play, keeping in mind their positions in the team. The veteran urged the Tigers’ batters to play fearless cricket.

"As long as you are playing for the team, everything will be in order. If you fear for losing your place, you won't be performing at the international level. You can be selfish in a Test match, nobody will say anything if you score a 300-ball century,” he stated.

"But you can't do that in this format. You have to play fearless cricket. It means you can't be afraid of losing your spot in the team. You have to show the intent. If you don't, you have no right to stay in the team," Mahmud added.