Bangladesh’s T20I skipper Litton Das has expressed his disappointment when the team management dropped Shamim Hossain from first two T20Is against Ireland after announcing the squad. The selectors said they wanted to try Mahidul Islam Ankon in the middle order, but Litton says he and head coach Phil Simmons were not told of this before the decision came through.
Litton added that he was taken aback after learning that Shamim was axed without discussing it with him. A captain must aware about who is coming in and who is going out, because this is how one can plan the strategy of a team,” Azhar said.
He said, “I think Shamim should have been in the team. This is the selectors’ decision, but I don’t know why they dropped him without informing us. I have always believed that the captain should know these things.”
Captain Told He Has No Say in Selection
And Litton also disclosed that he has been told not to get involved in team selection. He did not identify who the instructions came from, but said he had been told to only work with players that have been selected.
“I’ve been told that I have to collaborate with the team chosen for me. I don’t know who I like and who I dislike.” Most captains sketch their team once it is announced, but it’s more or less of no use for me now as I only have to play with the team I get.”
Despite this, Litton said he would continue to captain the side and try his best in the T20 World Cup if there are similar problems. The former fast bowler also said that it was not insulting, but both the captain and coach should be taken in confidence on selections.
Litton Apologizes to Shamim
Shamim Hossain hasn’t been too consistent either, managing just single-digit scores in his last three T20I innings. Still, Litton is of the opinion that the baby biffer deserved a bit more of his support, considering that has also played important hands in Bangladesh’s T20 turnaround this year.
Shamim played a match-winning innings of 48 against Sri Lanka in July and did well in the Asia Cup too. Another vital innings before his lean patch was his two-run-a-ball 33 against Afghanistan in October.
Litton said he regrets not being able to help support Shamim more. “Not everybody is going to click in every series. We have to support a guy after two or three tough games.” I am truly sorry that I could not stand by him.”
For More Cricket News: cricktimes.com
