‘Difficult, but I’m trying’: Mahedi opens up on struggle to secure regular place

Bangladesh off-spinner Shak Mahedi Hasan smiled with contentment after lofting Ireland's Josh Little over extra cover for six, but it was his bowling that truly defined the second T20I in Chattogram on Saturday. Under pressure, he delivered a brilliant spell that pulled Bangladesh back into the hard-fought contest.

Mahedi missed the eleven in the first game and, with team combinations constantly changing, often finds himself in and out of the side. At a press conference, he admitted he dislikes being left out and revealed he is never given an explanation.

Bangladesh bounced back in the series, defeating Ireland by four wickets. Liton Das's side completed the chase of 171 with two balls to spare. Had Mahedi not shone with the ball, Bangladesh might have been chasing close to 200.

After winning the toss and batting, Ireland reached 74 for 1 in the first six overs of the powerplay. By the ninth over, they had crossed 90. Mahedi conceded 13 runs in his first over but gave away just 12 runs in his remaining three overs while picking up three wickets. His spell of 3 for 25 in four overs was effectively the turning point of the match.

When asked how difficult it is to come into the eleven irregularly and still perform, the off-spinner didn't take a diplomatic route:

"Maybe the head coach can answer that. Or the captain. Or those involved in team selection. Look, my job is to play. The question you're asking… it's difficult for me to answer.

Bangladesh's Shak Mahedi during the post-match presser in Chattogram on November 29, 2025. Photo: Collected

"Let me ask you this: if you had to work for one TV channel for a month and then switch to another channel the next month, it wouldn't be comfortable for you, right? It's the same for me -- it's difficult. But I'm trying."

He was later asked whether the team management gives him any explanation when he doesn't make the eleven. Surprisingly, he gave a clear and direct negative response:

"No, they've never discussed it with me. But my job is to play. Look, for a player, representing Bangladesh is a matter of pride above everything else. Whether I play after ten matches or play regularly -- that pride is what matters most."