Recent ODI form hampered by ‘long gaps’, says Miraz

Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said his team’s recent results in the 50-over format have suffered because they “played with long breaks”, while attention was focused on the shorter T20 format.

Miraz and company are now preparing for upcoming ODI assignments by participating in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) in the one-day format. The Tigers are set to engage in a series of ODI matches, starting with Pakistan at home in March.

Miraz, who has struggled since taking over the ODI unit from Nazmul Hossain Shanto, spoke about the challenges the team faced in achieving consistent results.

“We have just started, beginning with the BCL. Regarding the upcoming series, we will sit together to plan how to perform well and win those series,” Miraz told reporters on Sunday.

“The reason we struggled in recent ODI matches is that we played them with long gaps, and the focus at that time was on T20 cricket. Because we played ODIs with such intervals, we couldn't plan effectively. However, since we have a long road ahead with many upcoming ODI matches, we will be able to create a much better plan.”

Bangladesh had played several T20I series last year to prepare for the ongoing T20 World Cup, which they eventually missed due to security concerns in India. From May to November, they played nine T20I series and, in addition to the ICC Champions Trophy, three bilateral ODI series.

Miraz opined the BCL is providing valuable preparation for the Pakistan series, particularly because of the quality of wickets in Bogura and Rajshahi.

“The BCL provided excellent preparation because we were able to play matches in Rajshahi and Bogura, where the wickets were very good. Yesterday, a target of nearly 322 was chased, which is a very positive sign for the ODI format.

“In Bogura, scores also reached 300. I am very happy to see such high scores because it means batters are getting runs, and everyone is in a competitive mindset. I believe such competition will further develop the country's cricket,” he added on the BCL tournament’s effectiveness.

There have been talks of a possible return of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the Pakistan series. Miraz said that Shakib’s return will depend on how the court cases against the all-rounder are handled by the relevant authorities.

“We all know the situation regarding Shakib Bhai. Having him in the side makes team combination much easier for a captain. I know the cricket board is in discussions, and as you have heard before, everyone is positive about him. If the ongoing processes can be handled, things will become easier,” Miraz said.

“I talk to Shakib Bhai regularly about cricket and matches; he appreciates us when we play well. Regarding his return, it is currently a matter of discussion. The final decision rests with the cricket board and the resolution of his specific issues.

“If a player like him is in the team, it makes my job as captain much easier.”