Instant Reaction: 2 captains for Bangladesh

[fwullah]

Desperate times call for desperate measures. And selecting two captains for tests and one dayers is one such effort.

ntv News report on 4th January 2004 says that Bangladesh is following Australia's example and will choose two captains for test matches and one day internationals. Khaled Mahmud will possibly stay on as the ODI captain for Bangladesh in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

But he will not retain his place as the captain in the test side on the Zimbabwe tour. He is bound to get all the credit because of the way that he has led the side after the world cup disaster. Under his leadership, Bangladesh has pulled out two very satisfying tours in Australia and Pakistan. There was a thought in the minds of the cricket board to replace Khaled Mahmud during the middle of the Pakistan tour as the captain. But because of the famous Multan 1 wicket loss, Khaled Mahmud could buy some time for him. But the poor effort of the team as well as his own performance during the home series against England has blown it all.

On the other hand, Habibul Bashar, the most suitable candidate at the moment, to replace Khaled Mahmud as the captain, is close to be called the Test captain of Bangladesh on 15th January. Although it was rumoured that a young captain will replace Khaled Mahmud right after the eid vacation, but it was not to be. With the long-term thoughts in their minds, the selectors have removed the idea of a young captain.

In addition, with the thoughts of the world cup 2007 in their minds, the selectors are thinking of choosing a young vice captain. Although Alok Kapali, Rajin Saleh and Mushfiqur Rahman is a few of the names that they're thinking to make the vice-captain, but Hannan Sarkar is probably way ahead of them.

Only time will tell if this two captain's policy would work for Bangladesh like it has been working so successfully for Australia. However, what the whole team needs is just one win - and it will change it all.

[BangladeshCricket]

I don't think we are team like Australia. We need players who can contribute for the team with atleast 30 to 40 runs in late middle order with a wicket or two as a third seamer. Aussies and even other teams have more choices for player selection. But over here, it's a decision of life and death for our team's survival in world cricket

[oracle]

I don't get the vice captain idea. Is it a step to captainhood or just a symbolic thing?

[fwullah]

Probably ntv news is trying to hint that Habibul Bashar is not going to be captain for too long - Hannan Sarkar could be the captain of Bangladesh in the world cup 2007.

[fwullah]

I saw Habibul Bashar giving a mini interview on ntv's sports news.

And just now, saw Khaled Mahmud, Shahriar Hossain, Tapash Baisya and Mushfiqur Rahman giving such mini interviews.

[fwullah]

on Channel I sports news.

And the subject in each one's case was usual pep-talks.

[Hasib]

So they are waiting for Sarkar to be more mature? Has he ever captained any first class teams?

[James90]

Bangladesh A...Mushfiqur hurt his thigh or something...remember?

[Sami]

but thats just now in patrons cup/league... Like has Hannan ever captained a whole series/tournament? He is a young guy... shudnt be made captain right now... I still give my vote for Rafique as next captain...

[fwullah]

Hannan did not lead in any match before the Patron's trophy/cup.

He's only 23/24 years old - how can he have experience of leading a first class team? For that matter, neither of the youngsters have captancy experience.

Mushfique Babu is the only player who has some experience of leading a first class team, but that is only because he did not play for Bangladesh national team for more than 2 years at the international level, so in that sense, Mushfique is also inexperienced, least experienced than Hannan Sarkar at the International stage.