Asia Cup

Sabbir’s aims to play freely under Shakib’s captaincy

Muhammad Sadman

Muhammad Sadman
প্রকাশের তারিখ: 17:29 রবিবার, 14 আগস্ট, 2022

|| CF CORRESPONDENT ||

Sabbir Rahman has been included in the squad under newly appointed captain Shakib al Hasan for the Asia Cup, which will be played in the T20 format.

The right-hander, who last played for the Tigers in a T20I against Afghanistan in Chattogram in September 2019, said under Shakib’s captaincy he will get the chance to play freely.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 17-member squad yesterday [Saturday] as the inclusion of middle-order batter in the Asia Cup squad has been the biggest surprise. The Asia Cup will begin on August 27 in the UAE. 

The 30-years old batter stated to Cricfrenzy that his understanding with the Ace all-rounder is always good as they both like to play cricket with their freedom.

“Everyone has a good relationship with Shakib Bhai. My understanding with him is always good, we both like to play independently. I will get it very well under him," Sabbir said from West Indies, who has been assigned to play one-day matches for Bangladesh A against West Indies A.

Under Shakib’s captaincy, Sabbir has played nine matches and scored 167 runs with a strike rate of 125.56.

Sabbir, who is renowned as a big hitter, also said hitting like a blind man is not an option as he will play with his own batting abilities. 

"There is no point in hitting like a blind man, I will try to play according to my own abilities. It could be fearless cricket or playing freely” Sabbir added.

Sabbir knows very well that in the national fold it’s hard to secure a place without performing as he is aiming to give his A-game for securing his spot.    

“No one's place in the national team is guaranteed, there are always challenges here. I will try to give 100% and create the moments the team needs to win” he added.

Sabbir scored just 109 runs in six games in the last Bangladesh Premier League at a strike rate of 111.22 before the 30-year-old was dropped by the Chattogram Challengers for his poor performances.

Earlier this year, he also got the attention of the Bangladesh Tigers program, which is drawn up to develop the national team hopefuls and local coaches.