‘Not being Champions is not the end of the world’

Akbar Ali wrote his name in the history books when he led the Bangladesh Under-19 team to win the World Cup in the previous edition in 2020. Besides his captaincy, Akbar also produced a player of the match performance in the final to beat India in a nail-biting encounter. As Bangladesh start their title defence today against England, The Business Post’s Shams Rahman caught up with Akbar and spoke with him about the current team, and the World Cup

As the skipper of the previous team, what will your message be to the current U-19 team?

Akbar: Nothing much. They must enjoy the cricket and play like it is just another series. I hope they don’t think about the result and trust the process; whatever happens, happens. And whatever happens, we are proud of them.

How can the experience of the U-19 World Cup help the players? What would be your advice to all the players in the tournament as the winning skipper of the previous edition?

Akbar: This is the biggest competition at this age level. They will get a taste of international cricket. In a bilateral series, there is time to figure the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. But at the World Cup, you have little time to do that and have to make decisions on the pitch. It helps you to think quick on your feet. There will be pressure, and the players will learn to handle it here.

A couple of your teammates are playing again at the U-19 World Cup. What are your expectations from them and the Bangladesh team?

Akbar: They have a very balanced side. When I played for the High-Performance team against them, I saw they were a very good bunch. They have a lot of all-rounders, which is a big positive. If they can play according to their potential, they can also bring back great results. But being Champions is not that easy. If they can maintain the process and play to their potential, they can bring in great results.

Is becoming Champions only about the process? Or do you need a touch of luck too?

Akbar: I believe the process is always important, and as a Muslim, I believe in luck. But I won’t say that it’s all luck. You will have to put everything together to achieve that. You have to dedicate yourself, follow the process, do your job and then luck will help you.

A vital moment from the last tournament, where you felt like you got the touch of the Champions’ luck?

Akbar: In the group stage match against Pakistan, we lost the toss and collapsed horribly. But we did not have to bowl as the match was washed out. We played well throughout the tournament except for that match. That collapse was alarming for us, and we focused even more on our performance.

What is the impact of Richard Stonier on the team?

Akbar: Every one of the coaching staff is a different character. Richard is very active, whereas Naveed (Newaz) sir always sticks to the plan. Richard always tries to motivate the players, whatever the situation is. He has helped us immensely. And so have the others. It is important that there are different characters in the dressing room.

How important is it for the players at the World Cup to understand that not winning is not the end of everything?

Akbar: I believe the coaching staff and the management will tell the players that this is only the start of the career, the U-19 stage is not the final goal. Not winning the U-19 World Cup is not the end of the world, and winning it doesn’t mean you have won everything. Understanding that is very important.