Bangladesh Cricket at Crossroads: Lessons from a Misstep Against Sri Lanka

Before the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Mirpur, Bangladesh cricket stood at a crossroads, shadowed by uncertainty. In a tense and politically charged atmosphere, only a display of character on the field could have lifted spirits. Expectations were high; after years of learning the nuances of Test cricket, Bangladesh had shown incremental improvement. But hopes were dashed, as Bangladesh’s performance fell short, revealing both tactical missteps and missed opportunities.

The root of the problem lay in an ill-prepared team and management strategy that ignored Bangladesh’s historical strengths. Spin has long been the weapon of choice for Bangladesh, especially on home soil. Yet, the team opted for three pace bowlers, an unusual move considering Bangladesh’s limited options in quality seam bowling outside of the experienced Mashrafe Mortaza. This decision seemed less tactical and more aspirational as if hoping for a quick solution to years of pace-bowling limitations.

Bangladesh’s approach was complicated by a widespread call among players and management for “sporting” tracks—bouncier, livelier surfaces that could offer an equal contest between bat and ball. While this ambition mirrors Bangladesh’s desire to grow as a cricketing nation, it raises an important question: are the players ready for such tracks? Bangladesh’s domestic circuit has traditionally featured flat pitches, ideal for batting but ineffective for preparing players for the conditions of a sporting wicket. Developing skill on these surfaces requires a gradual, systemic shift starting at the domestic level, where batsmen can learn to handle movement, bounce, and carry. Without this foundation, the call for sporting tracks risks backfiring.

The decision to trust in an untested pace attack quickly unravelled. While the Mirpur pitch showed early promise, the surface soon revealed itself as typically subcontinental—flat and slowing as the game progressed. Sri Lankan bowler Shaminda Eranga was able to generate bounce later on, but this success owed more to his own abilities than to any inherent quality in the pitch. Rather than attempting to counter these conditions with spin, captain Mushfiqur Rahim stuck to a pace-spin combination that often neutralized the momentum generated by Shakib Al Hasan. His handling of Sohag Gazi, a reliable wicket-taker, was particularly puzzling; used sparingly on the second day, Gazi was brought on too late to make a difference, despite proving his effectiveness whenever he was introduced.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s captaincy displayed a blend of skill and inconsistency. While undoubtedly talented and capable of inspiring his team, his choices sometimes seemed emotionally driven rather than grounded in tactical insight. The sporadic use of Gazi, combined with a reliance on outmatched pacers, allowed Sri Lanka to settle into comfortable partnerships. A more strategic use of Bangladesh’s spinners in tandem could have kept the Sri Lankan batsmen under greater pressure, creating opportunities to gain control of the game.

Adding to these tactical missteps was Bangladesh’s erratic batting approach, which appeared more suited to the rhythm of limited-overs cricket. At a moment when patience and resilience were crucial, key players like Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, and Shakib Al Hasan adopted a casual, almost reckless approach, throwing away wickets with poorly judged shots. This lack of Test match temperament was evident as players abandoned the methods they had previously used to anchor the innings and resist opposition pressure.

Bangladesh’s task ahead of the second Test is to revisit and strengthen its basics. The challenge is not simply to avoid defeat but to develop a mindset focused on long-form cricket—a mindset that values patience, strategic shot selection, and judicious use of resources. Playing for a draw should not be the goal of a team with over a decade of Test experience; rather, the objective should be to craft performances that demonstrate skill, adaptability, and resilience to contend with the demands of Test cricket.

Bangladesh cricket has made remarkable strides over the years, and the fans’ expectations are a testament to this progress. However, to truly honour the promise of this growth, the team must recalibrate its approach and embrace its unique strengths. Spin, methodical batting, and disciplined captaincy have been the hallmarks of Bangladesh’s best performances. By grounding its strategy in these qualities, Bangladesh can hope to not only improve but to compete in the highest tiers of world cricket. As they approach the second Test, Bangladesh must remember that while learning to save matches is essential, learning to win them defines a team’s future.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

A Nation’s Pride at Stake: Bangladesh Cricket Faces an Uncertain Test Future Amid ICC Reforms

Cricket in Bangladesh is more than a game; it is a national unifier, a point of pride, and a sanctuary for a people often left disheartened by the volatility of politics. In times of upheaval, cricket offers Bangladeshis a rare chance for jubilation, a momentary escape from the frustrations of daily life. But troubling clouds are gathering over the future of Bangladesh cricket—a future that now seems vulnerable to decisions being shaped beyond its borders.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed a sweeping structural overhaul that could relegate Bangladesh from the core of international Test cricket. At the heart of this restructuring plan, led by cricket’s financial giants India, England, and Australia, are provisions that could potentially exile Bangladesh and Zimbabwe from top-tier Test matches. The proposal would establish a two-tier system where only the top eight nations play in the primary league, while the remaining nations compete in the Intercontinental Cup alongside Associate nations, effectively demoting Bangladesh to a lower rung of competition.

The implications are staggering. If accepted, the proposal could mean that Bangladesh will be locked out of Test cricket for as long as eight years, relegated to four-day matches against lesser-known cricketing nations. After eight years, Bangladesh would have to top the second-tier standings to even have a chance to face the bottom team in the top tier—a gauntlet that diminishes the progress they have made over the last fourteen years since earning Test status. It is a proposition that risks squandering the promising talents of Bangladeshi players like Mominul Haque, Sohag Gazi, Nasir Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Tamim Iqbal, all of whom have shown resilience and capability in the longer format.

Bangladesh has, admittedly, struggled to achieve consistent Test success over the years. However, recent tours in Sri Lanka and New Zealand displayed promising growth and competitive spirit that reflect the nation’s growing understanding of the nuances of Test cricket. Relegating Bangladesh at this point seems not only premature but unjust, especially when some other countries, which dominate solely on home turf, continue to secure their places in the top tier despite weak overseas performances. 

Moreover, the financial justification behind the proposal also deserves scrutiny. Although India, England, and Australia undoubtedly bring substantial revenue to world cricket, Bangladesh’s fanbase offers a significant contribution, bringing in sizable viewership and engagement. The enthusiasm for cricket in Bangladesh often exceeds that in established cricket nations like New Zealand and the West Indies. To tag Bangladesh as a “minnow” and deny them the opportunity to compete regularly against the top teams is to stunt the very growth the ICC claims to foster.

This proposal has rightly provoked concern and opposition from other cricket boards, including South Africa, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Yet, dishearteningly, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not rallied behind its fans or players with the same vigour. Instead, the BCB directors have surprisingly backed the proposal, citing potential financial benefits as the justification. The decision has left fans, players, and even former Bangladeshi cricketers feeling betrayed. In their vote, the BCB appears more a business entity than a steward of Bangladeshi cricket’s legacy and future. 

This shift in stance is particularly dismaying given the high hopes placed on BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon, who until now has been a strong advocate for Bangladesh cricket. But with the board’s endorsement of the ICC proposal, it seems the weight of immediate financial gains has overshadowed the long-term vision needed to protect the nation’s Test aspirations. The decision feels detached from the very fans whose loyalty and passion are the lifeblood of Bangladeshi cricket. It dismisses the dreams of young players who aspire to wear the Test whites and disregards the countless supporters who invest their emotions, time, and hopes in every match.

With the ICC meeting in Dubai only days away, the BCB still has an opportunity to reconsider its stance and advocate for Bangladesh’s rightful place in world cricket. While nations like South Africa and Pakistan stand in solidarity, the primary responsibility lies with the BCB itself. The board must recognize that Bangladesh’s Test future is not just about financials—it’s about the spirit, pride, and unity of a cricket-loving nation. To preserve these values, the BCB should adopt a more strategic and assertive stance, one that not only protects Bangladesh’s future in Test cricket but also respects the undying loyalty of its fans. 

As Bangladesh faces this critical juncture, the message to the BCB is clear: think beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term vision for a nation where cricket is both a unifier and a point of pride. Let the voices of the fans echo in Dubai, for they are the heartbeat of Bangladesh cricket.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

The plea of a cricket fan from Bangladesh

In the upcoming quarterly meeting in Dubai on January 28 and 29, the ICC will present a draft proposal in an ICC Board Meeting where England, Australia and India will be the future rulers of world cricket. The key proposals of the draft are -

1. New executive committee (ExCo) to be set up with permanent memberships for BCCI, CA, ECB, to override all other committees.

2. Promotion and relegation in Test cricket, with exceptions made in the cases of BCCI, CA, ECB.

3. ICC to be delinked from FTP arrangements, with bilateral agreements only taking over

New finance model of ICC revenue distribution.

4. Key positions in ICC – ICC chairman, chairmen of ExCo and finance & commercial affairs committee – to be nominees of BCCI-CA-ECB.

5. Reinstatement of Champions Trophy in 2017 and 2021 in place of the World Test Championships.

Source: Cricinfo

So, the ICC is changing! It is suppose  to unleash itself in a rather autocratic manner. An oligarchy in the name of democracy. The newly build emperor will have three big rulers to run the world cricket and will work according to their own benefits without even bothering about the others.

Rather than an institution for the well being of cricket, the ICC will be more like a business institution where financial gains and loses matter the most rather than the game itself.

As a Bangladeshi I am not impressed with this. If this new proposal gets approved at the Board Meeting, then it’s not only Bangladesh but teams like Zimbabwe too which will gain nothing.

ICC’s Future Tour Programs (FTP) used to plan tours for each Test playing nation and due to which each nation was bound to play against each other. Even if the big guns were reluctant to play against the lower-ranked teams, still, because of the FTP they were bound to play against them. But if the proposed drafts get approved, then the lower-ranked teams, especially Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will hardly be able to play against the top sides as because the ICC will be delinked from the FTP arrangements with bilateral arrangements.

There is a school of thought that the top ranked sides of world cricket are reluctant to play against the lower ranked teams and above all, the sponsors and broadcasters as well are pretty disinterested in such series. Even in the current FTP schedule, Bangladesh have hardly any series against the big guns of world cricket. For example, till 2020, Bangladesh have no full series on the Indian soil. The last time Bangladesh played a Test match against India was fourteen years ago while Bangladesh toured Australia for a Test series was way back in 2003.

Anyhow, keeping in mind the financial gains and loses, perhaps, the ICC have come up with such an idea which will leave the lower-ranked sides in the cold. Will such sort of businessman-like-thinking help in improving cricket? How can teams like Bangladesh or Zimbabwe improve if they are not given the opportunity to play against the best teams in the world? How can they polish their skills if they are not invited to tour in countries like Australia and England?

The more a team plays against the better sides, the more they learn, the more they improve and the better idea would have been to arrange an FTP where all nations will tour and play against each other for a full series on a regular basis no matter how reluctant the top teams are!

Over the years, Bangladesh as a team has been very eye-catching and their improvement graph is upwards. Some pretty exciting individuals have given this team a new confidence to face the toughest tasks and Bangladesh nowadays aren’t pathetic losers. And don’t forget that the world’s best all-rounder is from Bangladesh.

Now, suppose, if the ICC approves the proposed draft, then we might see that Bangladesh having no Test series at all due to the reluctant attitude of the other nations in a given year and thus been relegated without even playing a Test match then how sensible and logical would it be?

With the demand of time and situation things change and any change which is productive is always welcomed. But, how productive would be the ICC’s proposed draft for world cricket? Even as a cricket follower such proposals only makes the eyes burn with irritation. Be it the BCCI, ECB or CA, their existence only possible because of the fans who love this game of cricket dearly.

Maybe, BCCI or ECB or CA has the largest eyeball and audience to follow this game, but isn’t cricket followers like me from Bangladesh are fans? As because I represent a lower-ranked side and my team fails to meet the demands of the sponsors and broadcasters, should my passion for cricket and my team be ignored?

Cricket is a game for the people watching it and the players who represent it. It will be better if the ICC think as a true cricket lover.

But will they think like this?

Note: This article has been published on Sportskeeda on 20/01/2013 The plea of a cricket fan from Bangladesh 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Winter of Discontent: Bangladesh’s Political Deadlock Casts a Shadow Over National Spirit and Cricket

 

Winter in Bangladesh has always been a season of celebration, its charm woven through a lively tapestry of festivals, cultural gatherings, and traditions. Yet, this year, the winter landscape seems muted, shrouded in a mood that is more sombre than celebratory. The usual rhythm of the season has been disrupted, leaving a pervasive air of melancholy among the people. The culprit behind this subdued atmosphere is not the season itself, but an ongoing political deadlock that has gripped the nation in its hold.

The roots of this disquiet trace back to last year, when a prolonged dispute between two of Bangladesh’s most prominent political parties began. Centred on the contentious issue of caretaker government oversight during elections, this standoff has hardened into a stalemate, fueled by the unyielding stances and rivalries of both sides. Their inability to find common ground has ignited waves of unrest, affecting the lives of Bangladeshis from all walks of life and casting a pall over daily routines and national festivities alike.

Frequent strikes, protests, clashes with law enforcement, and acts of vandalism are not only disrupting public life but also sowing anxiety and uncertainty across the nation. Beyond the toll on the collective psyche, this discord is severely impacting crucial sectors—business, education, and finance—and eroding confidence in Bangladesh’s stability. Not even the nation's beloved cricket, often a symbol of unity and pride, has escaped unscathed.

This year, Bangladesh is set to host two major cricket tournaments—the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20—events that could spotlight the country's hospitality and passion for the sport. However, the persistent political unrest is casting a shadow over these aspirations. Last year, the ICC raised concerns about Bangladesh’s capacity to host, citing incomplete construction of critical venues. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) managed to assure the ICC of its preparedness, the simmering instability threatens to undermine these efforts.

This apprehension was validated when the West Indies Under-19 team cut their tour short after an explosive device detonated near their hotel. The incident stoked fears internationally, leading some voices to question Bangladesh’s readiness. Pakistan, in particular, vocalized concerns about safety, a stance that carries a layer of irony, considering Bangladesh’s own reservations about touring Pakistan in recent years due to security issues.

Yet, despite past tensions, Pakistan has agreed to participate in the Asia Cup, marking a hopeful turn. To assuage these security concerns, the BCB has pledged extensive measures, bolstered by support from Sri Lanka's security team, which has expressed confidence in the arrangements.

Amidst these diplomatic and logistical preparations, a sense of underlying unease remains. The peaceful New Zealand tour last year, conducted during a similarly tense period, offers some reassurance, but it’s no guarantee against future volatility. For Bangladesh, successfully hosting these tournaments represents more than just a sporting milestone; it’s a moment for the country to reassert its resilience, to celebrate amidst adversity, and to reclaim its place on the world stage.

The opposition leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, has extended her support for the events, a rare gesture of unity. Yet, these words of encouragement must be more than symbolic. The time has come for Bangladesh’s leaders to put aside political squabbles for the greater good. Cricket in Bangladesh transcends mere sport—it’s a unifying force, a source of pride, and a beacon of hope. Allowing political ambitions to eclipse this shared passion would be a disservice to the nation's spirit.

In this critical moment, as winter wanes, let wisdom prevail. Bangladesh has much to gain if stability and peace can guide the way forward, allowing the people, once more, to reclaim the joy and rhythm that define their winter season.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Mitchell Johnson: The Arc of Redemption and the Anatomy of Dominance

In the annals of cricket history, few narratives embody the redemptive arc as vividly as Mitchell Johnson’s ferocious resurgence during the 2013-14 Ashes. His story is not just about pace or wickets; it is about the reclamation of confidence, the transformative power of self-belief, and the symbiotic relationship between mental fortitude and physical dominance. Johnson’s fiery spell against England remains a masterclass in how one player, brimming with confidence and precision, can dismantle an entire opposition—physically, psychologically, and tactically.

The Fall: Doubt and Disarray

Rewind to 2011. Johnson, once hailed as a "once-in-a-generation" talent by Dennis Lillee, was a shadow of his former self. Injuries, inconsistencies, and a fractured mindset had relegated him to cricket’s margins. The left-arm paceman, who once struck terror into batsmen, now bowled with the unpredictability of a man fighting himself. His action was broken, his rhythm disrupted, and his mind consumed by doubt—a cricketer caught in the vicious cycle of poor performances reinforcing mental fragility.

Johnson’s decline was not merely technical; it was existential. The "yips"—a cricketer’s nightmare—had taken hold. Every delivery was a gamble, and every failure fed the voices of self-doubt. His absence from the game in 2011, enforced by surgery on a damaged toe, was as much a psychological reprieve as a physical necessity. Yet, it was during this enforced exile that Johnson’s journey of transformation began.

The Resurrection: Mentorship and Reinvention

The turning point came through a reunion with Dennis Lillee. A legend who understood Johnson’s mechanics better than anyone else, Lillee diagnosed the flaws that had crept into his action and devised a blueprint for his resurrection. But technical corrections alone were insufficient. Johnson needed to rebuild his fitness, confidence, and mental resilience. The ex-SAS officers at The Mill Gym in Fremantle became Johnson’s unlikely mentors—hard men who instilled discipline, perspective, and a warrior’s mindset.

By the time Johnson returned to competitive cricket in 2013, he was fitter, faster, and hungrier than ever. The rhythm had returned to his run-up, the ball exploded off the deck, and the fiery glare—so emblematic of his menace—had reappeared. This was a bowler reborn, a man who had rediscovered the visceral joy of fast bowling and the confidence to bend the game to his will.

The Ashes: The Anatomy of Dominance

From the very first Test at Brisbane, Johnson’s impact was seismic. England, still buoyed by their 3-0 triumph in the northern summer, were wholly unprepared for the ferocity that awaited them. Johnson’s spell at the Gabba—6 for 9 during a collapse that decimated England—was not just a display of pace but a psychological assault. His deliveries, clocking upwards of 150 kph, were unrelenting, his bouncers venomous, and his stare-downs with batsmen were as piercing as his yorkers.

Stuart Broad’s struggle encapsulated England’s helplessness. Struck on the helmet, hopping around the crease, Broad became a symbol of England’s collective unease. Johnson’s short-pitched barrage was not just about wickets; it was about sending a message—a message that resonated through the dressing room and echoed across the series.

The second Test at Adelaide further solidified Johnson’s supremacy. On a traditionally benign surface, he unleashed a spell of brutal precision, taking 7 for 40. It was not just the numbers but the manner of his wickets—batsmen beaten for pace, stumps shattered, and confidence eviscerated. His dismissal of James Anderson, clean bowled with a hint of inswing, followed by the iconic "stare" instead of celebration, remains etched in Ashes folklore—a moment that symbolized Johnson’s absolute control.

By the time the series moved to Melbourne and Sydney, England were already a broken side. Johnson’s rhythm was unrelenting, his spells short but devastating. He preyed on the English lower order, ensuring no tailender dared resist. The psychological toll was immense: England’s batsmen were tentative, their footwork hesitant, and their gameplans shattered. Johnson, once the subject of ridicule, had become their tormentor.

The Psychological Edge: Fear as a Weapon

What set Johnson apart in this series was not merely his pace but his ability to weaponize fear. Fast bowling, at its essence, is a duel of courage. It tests not just technique but nerve. Johnson understood this dynamic intuitively. His bouncers forced batsmen into survival mode, disrupting their rhythm and decision-making. Each short-pitched delivery was a reminder of the physical threat, and each wicket reinforced the inevitability of his dominance.

The England dressing room, once buoyant, became a place of dread. Batsmen like Jonathan Trott, Matt Prior, and Kevin Pietersen—stalwarts of England’s recent success—crumbled under the pressure. Trott’s early dismissal at the Gabba, a simple leg-side edge, epitomized the psychological disintegration caused by Johnson’s aura.

The Legacy: Redemption and Triumph

Johnson’s 37 wickets at an average of 13.97 across the 2013-14 Ashes were not just statistical achievements; they were the culmination of a journey from despair to dominance. He had silenced the critics, exorcised the demons of his past, and redefined himself as one of the most feared fast bowlers of his generation. His resurgence was a testament to the transformative power of self-belief, hard work, and mentorship.

For England, the scars of that series ran deep. Careers ended, confidence shattered, and a once-dominant side was left to pick up the pieces. For Johnson, it was vindication—proof that redemption is possible, that the depths of failure can be a crucible for greatness.

In cricket’s long history, there have been many great fast bowlers. But few have embodied the raw, elemental power of the craft quite like Mitchell Johnson in the summer of 2013-14. It was not just fast bowling; it was a spectacle—terrifying, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Johnson’s Ashes remains a story of redemption, a reminder that in sport, as in life, the line between failure and greatness is often razor-thin, and that confidence, once found, can transform a man into a monster.