Shakib hopes for a new Asia Cup champion

Shakib Al Hasan speaks at the Bangla Tigers’ Icon Player-unveiling ceremony. Photo: Bangla Tigers

Bangladesh T20I and Test captain Shakib Al Hasan hopes for a new champion outside of India-Pakistan-Sri Lanka in the upcoming Asia Cup, a tournament where the Bangladesh team have played three finals in the last four editions.

Shakib went to attend the ‘Icon Unveiling’ ceremony of Bangla Tigers – a franchise team of the Abu Dhabi T10 League — in Dubai yesterday ahead of Bangladesh team’s practice for the Asia Cup in the same city. 

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The star all-rounder will be seen playing in the 10-over cricket tournament as an Icon Player for the Bangla Tigers, who have chosen former India cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesant as their brand ambassador.

Sreesanth at the Icon Unveiling ceremony of Bangla Tigers yesterday in Dubai. Photo: Bangla Tigers

Shakib had previously played for Kerala Kings in the league’s inaugural season in 2017.

“Proud to be part of Bangla Tigers. When offered to play, I figured there was an opportunity and I had no option but to accept. Having been third in the previous season, I would like to see Bangla Tigers becoming the champions this time, obviously,” Shakib said.

Sreesanth at the Icon Unveiling ceremony of Bangla Tigers yesterday in Dubai. Photo: Bangla Tigers

During the event, the topic of the Asia Cup understandably came up. Shakib hopes a new team will get to taste the glory.

“Like I’ve said before, it would be nice to get a new champion team, which is especially possible in a format like the T20,” said the Bangladesh captain.