Preparing for World Cup by playing against Zimbabwe is not ideal says Shakib

Shakib Al Hasan is not playing in the first three matches of the series against Zimbabwe. However, this star all-rounder is definitely returning to the squad for the last two matches. With five matches against Zimbabwe as preparation for the mega event of the T20 World Cup at home, Shakib believes that playing against Zimbabwe and the United States does not prepare for the World Cup. Shakib made it clear that considering performance against Zimbabwe will be a very wrong idea for the World Cup.

Before the World Cup, a series with Zimbabwe is considered as preparation. According to Shakib, it is not possible to prepare well by playing with weaker opponents.

"Look, if I consider playing against Zimbabwe and the United States for preparing for the World Cup, I think it will be a very wrong assumption. The World Cup is a different scenario; the more pressure we can handle, the better chance we have."

"What I said is definitely not ideal. When you play against a tough opponent, what you say may not be applicable. When we played in New Zealand's conditions, it was obviously a good preparation. It was probably our best position to prepare."

Speaking to journalists at the inauguration of Rubel Hossain's bike showroom, Shakib further said about how the preparation would be for the World Cup by playing against the United States.

According to Shakib, "One big reason for playing with the United States is to adapt to the conditions. Also, knowing about the place is important. There are not many players who have played in the United States. Perhaps in Florida, we have a few players who have experience playing there. It will be helpful if we can adapt to the conditions."