Unshaken Preparation Amid Change, Miraz Remains Optimistic

From on-field battles to the boardroom, a unique dynamic is now visible in Bangladesh cricket. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who spent years playing under Tamim Iqbal, now finds himself leading the ODI side while Tamim serves as the BCB president. The all-rounder views this shift in roles as an opportunity.

Having shared the dressing room for a long time, both Tamim and Miraz understand each other well. Drawing from that experience, the ODI captain believes this new arrangement can bring better alignment. He feels that a president with recent on-field experience can better grasp the needs and mindset of current players.

Miraz was handed the ODI captaincy rather unexpectedly during the tenure of Aminul Islam Bulbul’s board. Despite the administrative changes, he insists that the team’s preparation has not been affected. Speaking about their build-up to the New Zealand series, Miraz said,

“We have been training, and over the past three weeks we have trained very well. As professional cricketers, what happens outside doesn’t really affect us in that way. Our job is to perform. The way we have trained in the last three weeks, I think we have prepared very well. We have never really thought about what is happening outside.”

He also sees Tamim’s appointment as president as a positive for the current players. According to Miraz, Tamim’s recent playing experience allows him to better understand the team’s expectations and preferences. In this regard, Miraz said,

“I think since we have played cricket together, he will understand us much better. What our recent demands are and what we prefer—since he has only recently retired, this is a positive aspect for the cricketers.”

There are also questions about Miraz’s leadership future, as the new board has the authority to reconsider decisions made by the previous administration. However, Miraz took a diplomatic stance on the matter. Referring to his discussion with the president, he said,

“We spoke with the president. Seeing that our team is doing well, he encouraged us. He said that we should continue playing good cricket the way we are playing.”