Shakib Al Hasan will reach the World Cup country from Dubai. Every time in ICC events, Bangladesh carries big dreams, only to return disappointed. In Australia, Bangladesh played in the second round of the previous T20 World Cup. This time, the goal remains the same for the team led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto.
On Wednesday night at 1:40 AM, the flight carrying the Tigers departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. After a stopover in Dubai, the red and green team will arrive in Houston, USA.
Before departing, a photo shoot of the World Cup team was held in Mirpur on Wednesday. After taking pictures with the entire team, BCB president Nazmul Hasan Papon concluded the formality. Later, speaking at a press conference, Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto expressed hopes regarding the T20 World Cup.
“Everyone in Bangladesh will have expectations. I too will. I believe if we approach with small, positive thoughts, it will be good. I won’t say it’s easy to overcome the group stage. It will be good if we can. Then we’ll see.”
The head coach Chandika Hathurusingha is also happy with the squad and preparations. “We are playing good cricket outside ICC events too. We know there’s a big expectation in the country to do something significant. So, our goal is to first get through the group stage. The rest will be seen later.”
“We have to adapt to the conditions there. Playing in the USA will be a new experience for all of us. We need to adjust with time zones and weather. Perhaps, we’ll try to synchronize a bit. It means giving rest to our key players.”
More than two weeks before the World Cup, the Bangladesh team will go to the USA primarily to play a three-match series against the hosts. The matches in Houston will be on May 21, 23, and 25. On June 1, Bangladesh will face India as their opponent in the official warm-up match in New York.
Bangladesh will play their first two matches in the group stage of the T20 World Cup against the United States in Dallas and New York. The first match against Sri Lanka will be on June 8 in Dallas. The second match against South Africa will be on June 10.
Bangladesh’s remaining two matches in the group stage will be against the West Indies. On June 13, they will play against Netherlands in St. Vincent. The final match against Nepal will also be at the same venue on June 17.
