No Shakib; red missing too

The Tigers wrapped up their home preparation yesterday before their departure for Ireland tomorrow for a triangular series that will lead into the ICC World Cup starting on May 30 in England and Wales.

Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza spoke to the media after a gruelling training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur under scorching heat.

The Tigers’ inspirational leader showed a guarded approach regarding his side’s chances in the showpiece event during the marathon media conference but said that: “Nothing is impossible, but it will be very important for us to handle the ups and downs.”

The eventful day however raised two curious questions: Where is Shakib Al Hasan? Where is the Red?

The training and Mashrafe’s press meet was followed by an auspicious occasion of unveiling Bangladesh’s World Cup jersey but Shakib added a bit of controversy by being the sole member not in the official team picture, despite being at the venue less than an hour ago.

The ace all-rounder had just returned from his stint in the Indian Premier League on Sunday and the Tigers’ vice-captain only came to Mirpur to spend some time with his teammates before leaving the venue, even though he was informed that he had to take part in the photo session. After the photo session, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said “It [Shakib’s absence] is unfortunate.”

The greenish jersey which was shown on the occasion also raised many eyebrows as true to their nickname, Bangladesh’s World Cup kits have featured the Tiger prominently from time to time. On their debut in 1999, they had distinctive yellow-black stripes running across the front of their jerseys, while their most recent appearance in 2015 featured a giant watermark of a roaring Tiger from their board’s emblem. In between they have worn various shades of green with various yellow and red accents.

“Actually originally there was the Bangladesh name and number of the jersey in red colour on a greenish body which we sent to International Cricket Council (ICC) for approval but they didn’t approve the red colours. That’s why we prepared two sets of jersey; one is full green and the other is red,” explained BCB media committee chairman Jalal Yunus.