Asia cup might be the target for preparation says Akram Khan

|| Desk Report ||

Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB] cricket operations chairman Akram Khan said that the board might eye for the Asia Cup as a resumption of cricket and start the preparation of the cricketers.

Akram Khan believes that preparing for shorter-version of cricket is somewhat easy for the players currently. Due to lack of preparation Bangladesh has already postponed their longer version tours and series.

So, by reopening the training facilities and bringing up the coach for their assignment BCB might target the shorter-version of cricket for the return of cricket in the country. The Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] is willing to host the Asia Cup in September-October window and Sri Lanka might be the most likely venue.

"Right now, we have some plans in place and the coaches are ready to come in as well. You need more time to prepare for Tests and thus we couldn't go to Sri Lanka. When the coronavirus pandemic first emerged, it caused panic, it took us some time to grasp the situation. We couldn't just make a rushed decision and go there. The bowlers would need at least a month to get back bowling fitness," Akram told a leading English daily yesterday.

"We may target the Asia Cup since preparation for the shorter version is relatively easier. We have to discuss these things. I have been in touch with the players and everyone is upset at not being able to play or train but the situation is not improving and that is a cause for anxiety," he added.

Akram acknowledged that training at home is not fruitful than training on the field, it's a big difference he reckons. So, they are thinking to bring the players back under training on the field after Eid.

"There is a whole lot of difference in being able to train on the field compared to maintaining fitness at home. It's very hard to cover that gap," he said.

"Some players requested individual training before Eid but they could not practice as the situation became difficult. We will resume as soon as the situation becomes normal, hopefully after Eid," he added.

Akram also said that as there is no possible international matches to be held so they are thinking of restructuring the domestic cricket.

"We should have a serious look about restructuring domestic cricket since we may have to do without international cricket for a while," he concluded.