DHAKA, Aug 8, 2024 (BSS)- Anamul Haque Bijoy, who was appointed as the captain of Bangladesh A team for two four-day matches against Pakistan A said that the tour will be benefical for the preparation of the national team which also gears up for Test series.

    In fact Bangladesh national team's tour will coincide with the A team's tour and some of the national players were included in the second string team to have a good preparation for the Test series.

    At the same time, there are some of the cricketers in the A team who can make their way to the national team with Anamul himself the one.

    The cricketers will leave the country for the tour at a time when the country has been in tumultuous situation after a student-led mass movement forced the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. 

    Anamul said theie target will be to show good performance in the Pakistan series as the success in cricket can make everyone happy. 

    "Actually cricket has been an emotional place for the people. We entertain everyone with it. Everyone enjoys watching cricket," Anamul said as Bangladesh A team addressed the media ahead of leaving the country.

    "After this, there is a tour of the national team again for the Test series. Many cricketers are going with the 'A' team for preparation. I think, in fact, this preparation will be of great use for the national team. Hopefully, after playing the first or second match the national team cricketers will have a great experience which can definitely be a place of pride for Bangladesh. Because we know Pakistan wicket favours the batters. Both teams have equal chances. Bangladesh team will play Test matches after a long time and I hope we'll have fruitful result. We can make everyone happy."

    While he has an additional responsibility as captain of the red-ball team, Anamul also has an eye on national team comeback for the Test series.

    "I have been saying since my childhood that Test cricket is top priority for me. Whenever I play first-class cricket, I try to give hundred percent. My record also says how much I like it. So I have a big chance in that case. All those who spoke to the national team said the same thing. This is a big opportunity for me. If I can execute well here, I can make it to the national team. And if the opportunity comes to the national team, I will try to play for the Bangladesh team for a long time. That's my goal, that's what I'll be aiming for in the future," he added. 

    With the whole country is in reconstruction process, cricket also is expected to be rebuilt and Anamul hoped everyone in the cricket will get equal chance in new Bangladesh. 

    "In fact, in cricket, we need a change on a large scale. We saw it slowly. It will be in the future. You can't expect it to be possible in two days or five days. It will happen in phase by phase. But we certainly have rights, which we deserve. We all want everything to happen in disciplined way-be it in the cricket board, or be it in everywhere. We want a discrimination free Bangladesh, which was the main goal of this movement. May we all move forward together."

    Anamul wants the BCB to be fair in every case from now on.

    "In fact, it is important to be crystal clear. For everyone. Why am I in the team, why am I left out, why am I playing or why am I not playing, how much benefits am I getting or how much am I not getting? These things are certainly questionable. We all want the question to let go. We deserve the answer. I believe whoever will come in charge will also cooperate in the future. But there will be some gaps. We all hope that we will move forward by filling those gaps."