Soumya Sarkar has a flair that sets him apart from most Bangladeshi batters -- something he showcased in the recent ODI series against the West Indies, where he struck a blistering 91 in the third ODI on a difficult Mirpur wicket. The 32-year-old spoke to The Daily Star’s Abdullah Al Mehdi about his career, maintaining belief through ups and downs, his approach to batting, and his evolving role in the team. The excerpts of the interview are as follows:
Shanto, who first took over the Test captaincy in 2023, has so far led Bangladesh in 14 Test matches.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed disappointment over the behaviour of a section of Bangladesh supporters during the third and final T20I in Chattogram on Friday, where the visitors sealed a 3-0 series whitewash.
For Mustafizur, it was another night of quiet excellence -- and another reminder that brilliance with the ball means little without support from the bat.
The former West Indies cricketer, who previously visited Bangladesh as a player for the West Indies and in the Bangladesh Premier League, is now relishing his new role as a commentator in the ongoing white-ball series between the two sides.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh in danger of losing their first T20I series after four consecutive wins, with the remaining two matches scheduled for October 29 and 31.
However, his omission surprised few, given his lean run of form, and concerns have grown over his limited shot range and inability to clear the ropes in the slog overs.
The top order crumbled, the tail refused to follow but despite the late fight, Bangladesh fell 16 runs short against the West Indies in the first T20I in Chattogram on Monday.
With ball and bat, Rishad has been the brightest performer for Bangladesh in the ongoing three-match series.
However, his omission surprised few, given his lean run of form, and concerns have grown over his limited shot range and inability to clear the ropes in the slog overs.
The top order crumbled, the tail refused to follow but despite the late fight, Bangladesh fell 16 runs short against the West Indies in the first T20I in Chattogram on Monday.
With ball and bat, Rishad has been the brightest performer for Bangladesh in the ongoing three-match series.
Asked whether such surfaces as those being served in Mirpur were conducive to good cricket, the West Indies spinner was straightforward.
Rows of empty seats glowed under the lights, as if waiting for voices that never came. The ground, where once thousands roared at every wicket and every run, now echoed only with the wind.
The former West Indies all-rounder also condemned the racial abuse directed at one of his players.
When fandom turns sport into an opiate for the masses, an escape for collective frustration rather than a celebration of craft, it’s the image of the nation itself that takes the hit in the long run.
After opening their campaign with a seven-wicket win over Pakistan, the Tigresses have suffered three straight defeats but earned plaudits for their fight and competitiveness against top-ranked sides.
Teams will be required to provide a Tk 10 crore bank guarantee, while the franchise fee will rise by 15 percent every year.
Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief selector Gazi Ashraf Lipu virtually threw in the towel, citing a lack of available options when asked what could be done to address the Tigers’ deepening crisis in ODIs.
