“He is the world’s No.1 all-rounder, isn’t he? So we need him”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s future continues to remain in limbo, despite positive statements from head coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

Hathurusingha, who recently returned from a short break in Australia, noted that Bangladesh needed Al Hasan, but added that he stood by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision to ban the all-rounder for six months.

“He is the world’s No.1 all-rounder, isn’t he? So we need him,” Hathurusingha said. “I can’t say anything more. It is an internal matter. I will speak to you all after I speak to the board.”

Hathurusingha also noted that it was wrong for people to keep questioning how Bangladesh are going to replace Al Hasan.

“It is very unfair to think this way because there is another ten players playing,” he said. “For me it is the Bangladesh team. Whoever replaces him or whoever comes into the team, I expect them to do their best. For me it’s the Bangladesh team that is going forward.

“The board has made the decision, I am working with the board. We have to go by the board. I am here to make the players better and make the team better. Whatever I have to work with, I am doing my best.”

Hathurusingha also refused to comment when asked if he would request the BCB to reduce Al Hasan’s ban.

“That’s an internal matter. I don’t want to discuss in public,” he said. “What we are doing is what we are doing. It’s for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket as well as the betterment of the individual players. We will do the best for the Bangladesh team.

“What can you do? It is beyond my control. Whatever I have I am happy to work with and I am looking forward to it.”