Mustafizur’s Absence Felt, but Bangladesh Coach Simmons Sees Opportunity

The absence of Bangladesh’s experienced pacer Mustafizur Rahman is clearly a concern for the team management. Head coach Phil Simmons acknowledged this during a press conference, saying, “Mustafiz is our senior pacer. We will definitely miss him. His performance in the IPL was outstanding. But this is a great opportunity for someone else to step up.”

Rather than seeing the situation as a setback, Simmons views it as a possibility. He also confirmed that new face Khaled Mahmud will join the team later tonight.

Confident ahead of the Pakistan series, Simmons said, “I don’t know if this is the best time to beat Pakistan, but this is definitely the time for us to play our best cricket. We are here to win the series.”

He added, “You can’t take Pakistan lightly. On their day, they can be very dangerous. We are mentally prepared. Losing the series to the UAE was disappointing, but we’ve moved on from that.”

Simmons also emphasized the importance of utilizing experience from the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Several Bangladeshi players, including Shakib Al Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, have played in the PSL, with Rishad and Miraz part of the current squad. “Some of our players have played in the PSL. Their experience will benefit the whole team. If we can read the conditions well, we can succeed.”

Recalling his own memories of playing in Pakistan, Simmons said, “All my memories in Pakistan are pleasant. I had a great time in Karachi. I was looking forward to coming back.”

Simmons also praised Bangladesh’s pace bowling coach, Shaun Tait, calling him “a brilliant addition to the team.” He noted, “Not just the bowlers, the entire team is benefiting from his input. We are working hard to improve.”

Concluding on a positive note, Simmons said, “Even without bowlers like Taskin and Mustafizur, our strength in this format is still our bowling. Our batting is also improving—especially in the first six overs, we are doing much better now.”