‘If I stay fit, chances will come’

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed received an offer from English County Championship side Yorkshire but he refused it after talking to the National Team’s management and the Bangladesh Cricket Board as the focus is currently on the One-Day International World Cup coming up later this year.

However, the pacer is fairly upbeat about the situation as he believes that more opportunities will arrive if he stays fit.

“Yorkshire wanted me for a long season. I talked with the coach and the board. After considering my workload and everything, they decided to not permit me for the longer version. It’s okay. If I play well and stay fit, chances will come in the future,” he told the media on Wednesday. Taskin added that he was proud of the fact that BCB was trying to protect him for the World Cup.

“It feels good that the board is caring for me and trying to keep me safe. It is a matter of pride for me,” he said.

It was Ottis Gibson, the former Bangladesh fast-bowling coach, under whom Taskin made his comeback to the national team, who called Taskin with the offer as he is currently the head coach of Yorkshire.

“I told Ottis that I am under contract with the board and that they will not allow me. He said we will see next time,” Taskin said. The pacer was hopeful of playing in leagues and tournaments outside the country in the future.

“Everyone wants to play in the leagues. Hopefully, I will get opportunities in the future. I want to play in the leagues for personal achievements. Hopefully, I will play in them in my free time,” he said.