Many U-19 WC winning players may join the senior team - Nawaz

By BIPIN DANI 

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Naveed Nawaz whose coaching contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been extended for the Under-19 Team, believes that many of his World Cup winning team players would represent the senior team in the future. 

“Going by the past, many if not all Under-19 players would go on to play for the senior team. Sometimes we see special talents who get fast tracked and others have to come through a normal course, which is domestic cricket,” the 46-year-old former left-hander told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

“As soon as it’s safe and the airports open for travel, I will leave for Dhaka. I am looking at all options on how the boys can start training. The senior players have begun training and hopefully things will settle down soon,” he added. 

“Mental health is a vital area to look at when we are slowly coming out of a pandemic,” Nawaz added. 
Meanwhile, Nawaz’s coaching was appreciated by the Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup winning Captain Akbar Ali. 

Going by the past, many if not all Under-19 players would go on to play for the senior team. Sometimes we see special talents who get fast tracked and others have to come through a normal course, which is domestic cricket

“He has an excellent knowledge of the game and he plans very well. What I like most about him is he understands the players very well and does not ask beyond their abilities.” 

“Besides that, we all players can communicate with him very easily,” the Bangladesh Under-19 Captain added further.