Dhaka: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu emphasized the importance of balancing aspiration with logic as they prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup. “Our emotions are involved in cricket. When you are emotional, you always have to be positive,” Ashraf stated while discussing the squad announced for the Netherlands series and the Asia Cup.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ashraf expressed his hope that Bangladesh will emerge as the champion of the Asia Cup. However, he stressed the need for a logical analysis of their position and the challenges ahead. The Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September, will feature teams that have already been announced, with Bangladesh revealing their 16-member squad after Pakistan and India.
The squad sees the return of Nurul Hasan Sohan and Saif Hasan, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Naim Sheikh were excluded. Despite Bangladesh’s history of reaching the Asia Cup finals in 2012, 2016, and 201
8, the trophy has remained elusive. Ashraf, a former Bangladesh captain, believes the team has the potential to reach the final again but advised a calculated approach rather than an emotional one.
Ashraf pointed out Bangladesh’s recent victory over Sri Lanka in a T20 series on Sri Lankan soil, as well as their success against Afghanistan in a major tournament. “We know how to beat Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, who are in our group,” he noted, expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s chances to make a significant impact and send a strong message about their capabilities on the world stage.