PM encourages cricket team to play with confidence in WC

The Bangladesh squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 calls on prime minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka on Tuesday. Photo: PID
The Bangladesh squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 calls on prime minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka on Tuesday. Photo: PID

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday advised the Bangladesh cricket team to play in the upcoming World Cup (WC) with utmost confidence.

“Don’t take any pressure, play your natural game with self-determination… one day we’ll surely win the World Cup Insha Allah,” she said, reports BSS.

The prime minister said this when the Bangladesh national cricket team (male) led by One-Day International (ODI) captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza called on her at her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital this afternoon ahead of their ICC Cricket World Cup mission in England and Wales.

The prime minister told the players that there is no need to be panicked during any crisis moment. “Face the situation with cool head and apply your tactics.”

Sheikh Hasina, also an avid cricket-lover, asked them to play calculative game in the field and not to be afraid of any team whoever it is.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan, MP, BCB director Naimur Rahman Durjoy, MP, BCB director and team manager for World Cup Khaled Mahmud Sujan, team manager for Ireland tour Minhajul Abedin Nannu and head coach Steven John Rhodes were present here.

The Bangladesh squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 takes part in a photo session with prime minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka on Tuesday. Photo: PID
The Bangladesh squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 takes part in a photo session with prime minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka on Tuesday. Photo: PID

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is going to be kicked off in England and Wales on 30 May.

In the 12th edition of the cricket’s biggest extravaganza, a total of 10 teams including Bangladesh will compete for the most-coveted trophy.

The first match of the World Cup 2019 will be held between England and South Africa at Oval of London, UK on 30 May.

Bangladesh national cricket team in their first match of the tournament will face South Africa at the same venue on 2 June.

Meanwhile, before the World Cup engagement, Bangladesh will play a Tri-nation ODI tournament in Ireland beginning on 5 May.

Other teams of the tournament are -- West Indies and hosts Ireland.

Bangladesh team will leave the country for Ireland on Wednesday.