Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, has urged the team to approach the upcoming New Zealand series with full focus, stressing that no opposition can be taken lightly at this stage of the qualification cycle. Bangladesh must finish inside the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings to remain in contention for direct qualification to the next ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, making the upcoming home series against New Zealand a crucial assignment for the hosts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, with the qualification race tightening, the Bangladesh national cricket team is under increasing pressure to secure valuable ranking points in their remaining fixtures. The three-match ODI series against New Zealand begins on April 17. Speaking to reporters today, Minhajul said every point is now critical for securing direct World Cup qualification and warned against complacency despite New Zealand arriving without several first-choice players due to IPL commitments and injuries. He acknowledged New Zealand’s depth and adaptability, stating that the visitors remain a strong side capable of competing in any conditions.
“Every point is very valuable for us now to play directly in the World Cup. New Zealand are a good enough team. Even though we are playing at home, if we take this series lightly, we can be in danger again,” Minhajul stated. He further added that consistency and execution would be key for Bangladesh in the upcoming matches.
Addressing concerns over the team’s batting form, particularly the opening and middle-order instability, Minhajul defended the management’s approach of backing players for an extended run. He stressed that judging international cricketers requires patience, suggesting that players should be given at least five to six innings before being fairly assessed. “To judge a player in international cricket, you have to give him at least five or six innings. If you suddenly drop someone after two or three innings, it is not possible to get the expected results,” he said.
Bangladesh is expected to rely on home conditions but faces scrutiny over recent inconsistency as they prepare for a high-stakes series that could influence their World Cup qualification prospects.