Taskin Ahmed, a fast bowler for Bangladesh, has not yet formally retired from Test cricket. He is not likely to play long-form cricket in the near future, though, given the current state of affairs. Within the cricket community, there is a widespread belief that the right-arm fast bowler had to bid adieu to red-ball cricket since the BCB had refused to give him a nod of approval for the upcoming IPL. During a recent, casual conversation in Chattogram, Taskin gives Cricbuzz his side of the story and describes how his time as the captain of Durdanto Dhaka in the Bangladesh Premier League T20 tournament altered his understanding of the game.
Things did not go as planned with the BPL. After winning the first game, you went on to lose 11 straight games…
Taskin Ahmed You are correct, I believe, in that you don’t feel happy when the team doesn’t work well together. Regretfully, we had a severe defeat in the competition. We bowled fairly, but our batting collapsed and we lost. But I can’t hang onto it because it didn’t work out in this tournament. Instead, I must get past that and focus on the future.
Are you upset that you were unable to participate in the Indian Premier League?
Taskin Ahmed: While it is undoubtedly upsetting, I decided to accept the IPL offer even though it came during a series (against South Africa) and I wanted to be a part of the series as we were winning the ODIs. Unfortunately, I proved to be a hero later on. The last time the offer came up, I was playing in a series, so I declined. This time, though, I was hoping to receive the NOC, but I still didn’t because there are a lot of games coming up in the following few days.
Do you think your chances of winning the IPL would have been better if you had made the choice to forgo playing longer-version cricket?
Taskin Ahmed: Although I can’t say for sure, it might have been. Teams have inquired about my complete availability, but I was unable to provide it. Since I don’t play in a single format, I might play in the IPL if I’m free, available, and—most importantly—fit.
Given that you won’t be competing in a single format, may we expect to see you in the IPL?
Taskin Ahmed You see, I requested that the board not consider me for longer-version cricket due to a large rip in my shoulder and nothing else. And every member of the board, including my teammates and every member of the national team, knows about it. They are aware of my serious issues and my extreme desperation to continue playing cricket. The problem is that even though selectors and the board are aware of my desire to play cricket, my rhythm is still not at its finest. I’m having trouble recovering after the World Cup, and I’m probably doing
Will you be extremely disappointed if you are not selected for an IPL team?
Taskin Ahmed It’s okay if my goal of participating in the IPL does not come true; if it does, then Praise be to Allah. It wouldn’t be a problem if I never played in the IPL again. This is because, although I’ve been performing for the past three years, you would have to ask yourself what I was doing three years prior. I want to play franchise cricket to make money when I have leisure time because I want to contribute to my country and gain more experience.
