Want to play for Bangladesh for next 10 years: Mohammad Ashraful

Three years after being banned by the Bangladesh Cricket Board for his involvement in spot-fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Mohammad Ashraful is all set to make a comeback to the National side. Ashraful has compared himself to current Pakistani skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who at the age of 42 is making waves in international cricket. Ashraful is 32 at the moment and has set his sights on playing for Bangladesh for the next few years.

“I want to do well in domestic cricket first and prove myself. In Bangladesh, cricketers have a hard time after they cross 30 so it will be a challenge. And I will be back after a long gap which has never happened before for a cricketer here. But I am taking up both challenges. I want to play for ten more years just like Misbah is doing at the age of 42.”

Speaking about the lifting of the ban, Ashraful said that he was relieved to be a part of the BCB again. He also added that he was happy to return to training. “I am relieved that I can play under the BCB and use their facilities. The last three years were quite tough. But I tried everything that I was allowed during this period. I trained for two years under coach Imran sir and later went back to Ankur Cricketers.” Ashraful revealed.

“I also trained at the small ground near Banasree where I live. Before leaving for the UK, I requested Akram Bhai (BCB cricket operations chairman) and Nanu Bhai (chief selector Minhajul Abedin) to consider me in the BCL if possible. I know that it might be tough on their part since only the best first-class players are selected in this competition.”

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“I recently saw Tamim’s interview where he said they are waiting for me to return. I don’t think I will generally have many problems. I confessed what I had done and I have never hurt a cricketer. There might be a comment or two when I go out to bat as people will try to get me out.” Ashraful concluded.