Bangladesh can win the World Cup: Sujon

Even though Bangladesh exited the Asia Cup, a continental championship, without any victories, team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon was of opinion that the Tigers possess the ability to conquer the world. 

"Since I am a positive person, I try to remain positive and I believe that we can even become the World champion. But the path won't be easy at all. Maybe it will take us six months to a year," Mahmud told the media on Wednesday.

"Our main aim is to see whether we are improving or not. I want the boys to have a complete grasp of the format. Many people mock us due to this format, but we have the confidence and the belief that we can do well," added Mahmud. 

With less than two months to go for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, the BCB director and former Bangladesh captain also urged the batters to play fearless cricket.

"I want the batters to play with courage as we want to play attacking cricket with freedom. And if the batters get out on the very first ball while incorporating that style, I don't see any problem. We may not be able to win one or two games in the tri-nation series in New Zealand," he said.

He also made the assertion that Afif Hossain could play better than former India skipper Virat Kohli. 

"I don't believe that our batters are not capable of playing shots like Rohit Sharma. I also don't believe that Afif won't be able to do whatever Kohli does. Maybe, our Afif can play better than him….we just need that belief and not restrict ourselves," Mahmud, who had engaged in a verbal war with the Sri Lanka players and team management during the Asia Cup, said.   

The Tigers will begin their three-day training camp from September 12 ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The selectors are expected to announce the squad for the flagship event by September 15.

Bangladesh are also scheduled to play a tri-nation series involving hosts New Zealand and Pakistan which will act as prelude to the marquee event. 

"We will have scenario training divided into several groups where we will work on specific areas keeping the roles of the batters in mind. We may recall a few proven players while there might be some surprise inclusion as we will call 30-31 cricketers for the camp.

"There will be quite a few fast bowlers in the camp but not everyone will be contenders for selection. Since [T20 technical consultant] Sridhar Sriram is yet to have a look at all the players, it is important for him to see some other players since he looks after the T20 format," said Mahmud.

Source - The Daily Star