Shakib's absence blessing in disguise: Former Bangla opener Shahriar

Celebrated all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's absence from T20 series against India could be a "blessing in disguise" for Bangladesh and a great opportunity for young cricketers to turn stars overnight, said former T20I captain Shahriar Nafees. Bangladesh suffered a big blow on eve of ir departure to India when ICC handed a two-year ban on ir Test and T20I captain Shakib for failing to report three suspect approaches. Without Shakib, world 1 ODI all-rounder, and senior batsman Tamim Iqbal, who had skipped tour for personal reasons, Bangladesh will lack experience of as many as 151 T20Is when y begin three-match series in Delhi on Sunday.

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're could t have been any bigger opportunity'

"re could t have been any bigger opportunity for young Bangladeshi players to prove mselves against such a big team like India," Shahriar, who played 24 Tests, 75 ODIs and one T20I, told PTI in an exclusive interview. 

" whole world sits up and watches when India play. It's massive for youngsters to become stars for Bangladesh." Shakib's deputy Mahmudullah, who is kwn for his calm demear and finishing ability, was made captain for three T20Is. Mahmudullah hasn't made it to IPL yet, but he has been part of Caribbean Premier League, having represented Jamaica Tallawahs and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and has been ir most improved T20 player. And with lucrative IPL auction slated for next month, it's a massive opportunity for Bangladeshi future stars, including Mahmudullah, who has led country 11 times before. "He's an established player. Hope he will fill up void left by Shakib," he said of Mahmudullah, who has led Chittagong Vikings and Barisal Bulls to finals of Bangladesh Premier League in 2013 and 2015 respectively."It can be a blessing in disguise for whole team. It's for m to make it count ahead of IPL and Twenty20 World Cup in a year's time."Massive opportunity for boys. Every team has already started preparing for T20 World Cup. For Bangladesh, countdown begins tomorrow," 34-year-old former opener said.

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Bangladesh aim to break T20I jinx against India

Record is also heavily staked against m as Bangladesh are yet to win against India in T20Is in eight encounters. But Shahriar feels Bangladesh-India rivalry in recent past has reached a high, similar to an Indo-Pak showdown. "If you see in last three-four years a positive and healthy rivalry is brewing between Bangladesh and India, which brings back memories of Indo-Pak rivalry. In that sense Bangladesh will fight hard and strive hard to win ir first T20 match against India," he said.

" doubt, it will be very tough for Bangladesh without trio of Shakib, Tamim and (fast-bowling allrounder) Mohammed Saifuddin (injured). But in T20 format, if you can seize crucial opportunities, thing is ruled out. If whole team rise and play to ir potential, thing is ruled out. " T20I series is followed by two Tests where y will launch ir World Test Championship campaign under new captain Mominul Haque. "For 10-odd days, Bangladesh cricket is going through turmoil. It's time to move on. biggest positive that we have come here to play against all hardships. We have to stay positive," he said referring to players strike ahead of series."India are one of top countries in Test cricket and we could t have asked for a better start. It would be far more tougher series than T20Is. I'm sure we will put up a stronger challenge than South Africa," he said. In a historic first, both teams will also play ir first Test under lights at Eden Gardens from vember 22-26."We all are looking forward to it and I'm sure it will furr strengn bond between two countries," he concluded. 

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